Fifth and sixth year computer science students from around Galway took part in Ireland's first ever Sixth Year Hackathon in the PorterShed2 in Galway recently. Students from St Joseph's College - The Bish, Dominican College - Taylor's Hill, Clarin College, and Tullamore College attended the event.
Students from different schools collaborated in mixed teams to create a novel idea under the theme of "computer science and wellbeing". Throughout the day they worked with mentors from Genesys, IBM and Fidelity Investments to help bring their idea from inspiration to creation.
The event also featured a line-up of guest speakers and insightful talks from entrepreneurs and start-up founders, industry experts in areas such as UX and UI design and artificial intelligence, Speakers included Robert O'Shaughnessy, Diarmaid Ó Fátharta, Alice Shaughnessy, Professor Patrick Denny (University of Limerick ), Darren Kearney, Emma Meehan, and alumni from the Patch Summer Accelerator.
The day ended with all groups presenting and pitching their ideas to a panel of three expert judges.
The organisers have extended their thanks to the PorterShed, especially Rosemary Gallagher, Mary Rodgers, Anthony Shaughnessy and Dushyant Singh for lending the space and for their expertise in facilitating a great schedule and cutting-edge event; and to Junior Cycle Coding - Galway, Genesys, Fidelity Investments and University of Galway for sponsoring the event.
