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Nexus Spring Open Innovation Hackathon

Build the useful first version.

A one-day open build space for people with a useful frustration, a rough idea, an unfinished first draft or a real problem worth testing.

Saturday 22 May 2027Time to be confirmedVenue to be confirmedFree and open to all

Two ways to build

Start your own useful version or help solve a real one.

This is not a slide-deck competition. The aim is one working, testable first version and a clearer next step after the day.

01Open build

Start smaller. Make it real.

Bring an idea, a rough draft or an unfinished tool. Focus on the smallest useful version people could try, rather than trying to build everything at once.

02Organisation challenge

Turn a real problem into options

Organisations can bring a practical issue. Teams will create different prototype routes and you can decide who to speak to about a later pilot.

03Show

Show what works first.

Teams demonstrate what works, who it is for and what they would test next. The best practical build wins the confirmed £100 prize.

How the day works

Bring the spark. Leave with a first version.

  1. 01

    Choose what matters

    Work on your own idea or choose a real organisation challenge. The final programme and challenge list will be shared before the event.

  2. 02

    Build in a mixed-skills team

    Developers, designers, founders, students, HR professionals, community organisers and practical problem-solvers are all welcome.

  3. 03

    Show the useful first version

    Give a short live demonstration to a judging panel. The aim is to make something people can understand and take forward.

Help shape the day

Bring money, experience or the problem worth solving.

Organisations, sponsors, mentors and judges can help turn a one-day prototype into a useful next conversation.

Organisation challenge

Bring your real problem.

Teams will explore possible prototype routes. You decide which teams to continue a conversation with after the event.

Bring a challenge

Sponsor

Grow the prize fund.

Help with prizes, venue, food, practical running costs or a service teams can use.

Offer sponsorship

Mentor

Help a team get unstuck.

Share practical product, design, AI, technical, commercial or community experience during the day.

Become a mentor

Judge

Join the live pitch panel.

Help assess working prototypes and give direct, grounded feedback at the end of the day.

Join the judging panel

Express interest

Tell us where you fit.

There is no fixed sponsorship package and no fee to mentor or judge. Tell us what you can bring, and we will agree the practical next step with you.

01  Express interest02  Short conversation03  Agree the useful next step

Before you reserve

Bring your laptop and the smallest useful version of your idea.

Participation is free. Time, venue and the final organisation challenges are being confirmed and will be emailed to everyone with a reserved place.

Reserve my free place