The Henry Royce Institute was delighted to once again support and organise the now well established Graphene Hackathon, which took place on the 9th and 10th December in Manchester.
The two day event is a challenge against the clock to develop a potentially world-beating business idea based on the 2D material graphene. The weekend event rethinks the traditional product development process and unlocks the entrepreneur in participants by providing a dynamic space for rapid learning, failure and innovation.
The Hackathon was led by Royce with graphene PhD students at the University of Manchester and was hosted in the “Makerspace” at Manchester’s Manchester Engineering Campus Development (MECD).
Dr. Thanasis Georgiou, Research & Business Engagement Manager, Henry Royce Institute said:
“The Henry Royce Institute, which has 2D materials as one of its core research themes, was delighted to support the Graphene Hackathon.
“It provides an amazing environment for super- fast learning, and allows the students to experience both failure and success – as well as to get hands on know-how around the innovation process. It’s a brilliant opportunity to get creative!”
The 2023 Hackathon set a challenge to design, prototype and pitch an innovative product using graphene inks, with an overall theme of sustainability.
Dr Scott Dean, Organiser & Co-Founder of Graphene Hackathon said:
“ We continue to be amazed at the quality of prototypes and pitches that are created in such a short time over the weekend of hacking. This year we are giving the participants the opportunity to take their idea beyond the hackathon with 6-months free R&D and Business Planning support from the university, so there’s opportunity for real, impactful innovation.“
“Thank you to all of our sponsors, in particular The Henry Royce Institute, who have been brilliant in organising and funding a supremely successful event. Stay tuned for Graphene Hackathon 24.”
Prize-winning innovations from the 2023 Hackathon were:
First Prize: Smart tracking boxing gloves
Second Prize (& Sustainability Award): PythagoRAIN IOT micro-weather stations
Third Prize: Sensaic insole pressure sensor
Organisations that supported this year’s event included:
- Henry Royce Institute
- University of Manchester
- First Graphene
- Graphene Trace
- Graphene NOWNANO
- Masood Entrepreneurship Centre
- Potter Clarkson
- Nixene Publishing
- The Graphene Council
- Vector Homes
- Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre
Advanced materials is one of The University of Manchester’s research beacons – examples of pioneering discoveries, interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-sector partnerships that are tackling some of the biggest questions facing the planet.
