Innovative students complete hackathon challenge honouring graduate

Teesside University students showcased their creativity, technical skills and social impact at a memorial hackathon held in collaboration with leading technology consultancy Waterstons.

The event honoured the life and legacy of Richard Begg, a distinguished Teesside University alumnus who studied between 1994 and 1998, went on to build a successful career at Waterstons and passed away in 2022.

The memorial hackathon brought together student teams from across the University to develop innovative solutions addressing real-world challenges.

In tribute to Richard’s passion for technology and problem-solving, the event focused on three key themes: Artificial Intelligence, Chatbots and Health Initiatives.

Three student teams participated in the competition, each demonstrating exceptional talent and delivering a unique and impactful project:

• Team HERA – Created a menstrual health app with ethical AI companions, built using Feminist HCI and NHS guidance.
• Team MiniMoments – Designed an AI-powered support tool for parents of premature babies, offering personalised care advice.
• Team QuickCare – Built a digital assistant which delivers fast health guidance using NHS pathways and AI-driven triage.

A judging panel of experts from Teesside University and Waterstons praised the calibre of work across all entries.

Due to the outstanding quality and creativity demonstrated across the board, the judges found it difficult to select a single winner. As a result, all three teams were awarded prizes sponsored by Waterstons in recognition of their achievements.

David Spencer, Business Partnership Manager for Digital & Creative at Teesside University, said: “This hackathon was not only a celebration of student talent and innovation but also a heartfelt tribute to Richard Begg.

“His impact on both Waterstons and Teesside University continues to inspire, and we’re proud to honour his memory through this collaborative event.”

Alison Dent, CSER Lead at Watersons, added: “Rich was passionate about pushing the boundaries of technology, embracing risk but always having fun.

“He loved hackathons, and his creations are the stuff of legend at Waterstons. We’re really keen to keep Rich’s legacy alive, so teaming up with Teesside University, where Rich studied, to inspire the next generation to think differently, take risks and challenge themselves seems very fitting.

“We were massively impressed with what the students have achieved and hope one day to see their finished apps available to download.”

The hackathon stands as a testament to the long-standing partnership between Teesside University and Waterstons, as well as to their shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of digital leaders.

It also exemplifies the power of technology to drive positive change.

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