ICS.AI Sponsors the Merseyside Inter-Varsity Hackathon 2026

Real Problems. Real Solutions. Real Talent.

ICS.AI was proud to sponsor the inaugural Merseyside Inter-Varsity Hackathon 2026, hosted at Liverpool John Moores University’s Byrom Street Campus, bringing together 100 students from universities across the region for a two-day innovation sprint focused on solving real civic and social challenges using technology and AI.

Held across two days, 11-12 May 2026, the hackathon challenged students to work in cross-university teams - the “Merseyside Mix” - replicating the collaborative, multidisciplinary teams found in modern digital organisations. Participants tackled challenge tracks focused on Smart City & Transport and Health & Community Data, creating working digital prototypes in just 48 hours.

The event showcased exactly the kind of practical, mission-led innovation that the UK public sector increasingly needs: diverse teams applying AI, data and digital thinking to meaningful regional challenges.

Attending on behalf of ICS.AI, Chief Education Officer Dr Crispin Bloomfield reflected on the intensity, creativity and professionalism demonstrated by the students throughout the event:

“There is something fundamentally challenging about a hackathon - a time bound effort focused on a particular problem. In Liverpool over the last two days, students have turned up with a can-do attitude, demonstrating a capacity to prioritise and balance commitments including end of term revision and exam commitments with two days of strenuous mental activity and creativity.”

Students formed teams with peers they had never met before, selected from two major civic challenge themes, and rapidly planned, built, tested and presented working solutions to a panel of industry judges and technology leaders.

Dr Bloomfield added:

“Participants simulated workplace working, formed mixed teams with people that they had not met before. Over two days they planned, built, tested and created working prototypes and consolidated the outputs into a five-minute pitch presentation before facing challenging Q&A.”

Industry mentors from organisations including HMRC, Nationwide, the North Sea Transition Authority and senior technology consultants supported the event, helping students bridge academic thinking with real-world delivery expectations.

The judging panel faced a difficult decision, with all teams demonstrating strong collaboration, creativity and technical capability. The eventual winning team, Group 4, developed an AI-driven traffic management solution using smart city sensors and machine learning to improve congestion and traffic light optimisation across the region.

Other standout projects included:

Eco Route - a sustainability-focused travel planning solution that optimised journeys based on emissions, public transport, cycling and walking options.

Nura - an innovative healthcare concept supporting diabetes management through proactive wellness intelligence and preventative care.

Reflecting on the quality of the solutions produced, Dr Bloomfield noted:

“There was something fundamentally impressive in the ability of these university students to deliver working prototypes in such a short time frame. Highly desirable skills for most modern businesses.”

The Merseyside Inter-Varsity Hackathon represents more than a student competition. It highlights the growing importance of applied AI, collaboration and digital problem-solving skills in addressing the challenges facing communities, local government and public services.

As an organisation committed to helping build AI-native public sector organisations, ICS.AI was delighted to support an initiative that empowers the next generation of innovators to apply technology to real-world regional challenges.

We would like to congratulate all participants, mentors, organisers and Liverpool John Moores University for delivering an outstanding inaugural event. The future of civic innovation in the North West looks incredibly bright.

Saad Saihi, Chair of BCS Merseyside and Director of Student Experience & Senior Lecturer at Edge Hill University advised

"This is what cross-institutional collaboration in Merseyside looks like, and it's only the beginning."

We are already looking forward to next-years' Merseyside Hackathon 2027.

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