How We Conquered the RGU Hackathon: A 24-Hour Blitz of Innovation, Grit, and Game-Changing Connections!

The annual RGU Hack, led by the RGU Computing Society, is back on Saturday 22 February and Sunday 23 February with several leading sponsors. Previous Hackathon winner Rohith tell us how his team managed to come out on top and shares advice to those participating this year to make the most of the opportunity.

We were a ragtag crew of four—three technical newbies and one nontechnical dynamo—ready to disrupt the status quo at the RGU Hackathon. With zero experience in machine learning but a hunger to push our limits, we dove headfirst into one of the toughest challenges on the menu. And guess what? We came out on top!

The Challenge: Embrace the Unknown!

Walking into the hackathon, we had no roadmap. Competing against fierce teams from Glasgow, Edinburgh, and beyond, the energy in the room was electric. Our mantra was simple: win at any cost!

Every moment was a high-stakes sprint, and we were all in—fueled by determination and raw ambition.

Teamwork under pressure

Diverse skills, one mission: We may have been newbies, but our mix of fresh perspectives turned obstacles into opportunities.

Communication is King: Clear, rapid-fire communication kept us in sync and laser-focused on our goal.

Smart commitments: Overcommitting kills momentum. We aimed to commit less and deliver more—every single hour counted!

Survival essentials for the win

Hackathons aren’t just about brainpower; they’re a test of endurance, so:

Pack the Basics: Laptop charger? Check. Mobile charger? Check. Snacks and drinks are covered by RGU.

Stay Comfortable: You get to chill and relax and work anywhere inside the University but, bring a pillow, water bottle, and even a bedsheet. (Yes, the campus is warm, but comfort fuels creativity!)

Camp It Out: The hack wraps up at noon, with winners announced after the demo. Stay on campus to catch every electrifying moment.

Networking: The ultimate hack

Employees from companies will be hanging out with you for a short bit, and it’s always a good idea to get more perspective of the problem they want solution for. Give them what they need and beyond. Beyond the code, the hackathon is a goldmine for connections:

Team Up Early: Don’t just stick with familiar faces. Seek out new teammates—diversity breeds innovation!

Pizza & Drinks Breaks: Every four hours, you will have a break. While waiting in a queue, take the chance to connect and transform the down time into an epic brainstorming session. Chat over pizza, share ideas, and build relationships that could be your ticket to future opportunities.

Industry Insider Access: Rub elbows with top professionals from leading Aberdeen companies. These connections are not just chance meetings—they can pave the way to your dream career.

Grit, Grind, and a Dash of Guts

Our hackathon journey was a whirlwind:

Mindset of a Champion: The singular focus was victory—win at any cost. Every line of code, every late-night brainstorm, and every caffeine-fueled minute was dedicated to crushing the competition.

Learning on the Fly: Even with early-stage, clunky versions of ChatGPT (think slow and
clumsy code engine), we learned to adapt and innovate. Every challenge was a stepping stone toward our win.

Final Takeaways for Aspiring Hackers

Embrace the Challenge: Don’t fear the unknown. Tackling a tough project head-on sparks the most innovative solutions.

Work Smart, Not Just Hard: Prioritise quality over quantity. Commit strategically, and always deliver more than you promise.

Network Like a Pro: Use every break, every conversation, as an opportunity. These moments might just open doors to your future.

Conclusion

Winning the RGU Hackathon wasn’t just a triumph—it was an adrenaline-fueled lesson in teamwork, resilience, and the power of daring to dream big. This opened me up to an opportunity for an interview with the company. For all the first-timers and aspiring hackers out there: gear up, prepare with passion, and let your ambition lead the way. Your next breakthrough—and perhaps your future career—starts with taking that bold leap!

Rohith Ajith

Taking part in the Inform Prize Competition with my computing team

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