UCL Computer Science confirms return of all-girls AI hackathon for 2026
The department has announced a second edition of its girls-only hackathon, with a new focus on artificial intelligence and a February date in London.
UCL Computer Science has confirmed that its all-girls hackathon will return in 2026, with the department taking to LinkedIn to outline plans for a second year of the outreach initiative and a sharper focus on artificial intelligence.
The event is scheduled to take place on February 16, 2026, at UCL’s Gower Street campus in London and will be free to attend for eligible students.
UCL Computer Science is the computer science department of University College London and is involved in teaching, research, and outreach across areas including AI, data science, and computing education.
According to the LinkedIn post, the 2026 hackathon will focus specifically on AI, marking a shift from last year’s challenge-based theme.
The three-hour “mini hack” will run from 11:00 to 14:00 and is open to Year 12 students at UK state schools who are studying A Level Maths. Applications close on January 19.
The department says the event is designed to give students early exposure to technical problem-solving in a university setting, with a particular emphasis on widening participation in computer science and AI.
Built on 2025 pilot event
The announcement follows the department’s first girls-only hackathon, which took place in January 2025 and was open to A Level Maths students from state schools across the UK.
That inaugural event brought students together to work in teams on a technical challenge centered on financial literacy, with support from UCL academics and current students. Participants also had access to a careers fair and opportunities to engage with other hackathon communities within the university.
UCL Computer Science indicates that the 2026 event builds on this initial pilot, with the introduction of AI reflecting growing interest in how early-stage education can connect students to emerging areas of computing.
ETIH Innovation Awards 2026
The ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 are now open and recognize education technology organizations delivering measurable impact across K–12, higher education, and lifelong learning. The awards are open to entries from the UK, the Americas, and internationally, with submissions assessed on evidence of outcomes and real-world application.
