UCL Computer Science has announced the return of its all-girls hackathon, scheduled for February 16, 2026, at the university’s Gower Street campus in London. This initiative aims to provide a platform for female students to engage with technology and will emphasize themes of artificial intelligence, building on the success of the inaugural event held in January 2025.
The upcoming hackathon is free for eligible Year 12 students from UK state schools who are studying A Level Maths. Applications are set to close on January 19, 2026. The three-hour event will run from 11:00 to 14:00 and is designed to enhance students’ technical problem-solving skills in a university environment, focusing on increasing participation in computer science and AI.
UCL Computer Science, part of University College London, has been actively involved in teaching, research, and outreach across various fields including AI, data science, and computing education. According to a recent post on LinkedIn, the 2026 hackathon will shift its focus to AI, departing from the challenge-based theme of last year’s event, which concentrated on financial literacy.
The 2025 hackathon successfully brought together A Level Maths students from state schools across the UK, where participants collaborated in teams to tackle a technical challenge. The event was supported by UCL academics and current students, providing attendees with access to a careers fair and opportunities to connect with other hackathon communities within the university.
The upcoming event builds on the foundation laid by the inaugural hackathon, with the inclusion of AI reflecting the increasing interest in connecting early-stage education with emerging areas of computing. By focusing on AI, UCL aims to prepare students for future careers in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
This initiative not only seeks to enhance technical skills but also to inspire young women to pursue careers in technology, an industry where diversity remains a significant challenge. The UCL Computer Science department’s commitment to outreach efforts underscores the importance of representation within the tech community.
As the landscape of technology continues to evolve, initiatives like the UCL all-girls hackathon highlight the growing recognition of the need for targeted programs that encourage underrepresented groups to explore fields such as AI and computer science. The event is poised to play a vital role in shaping the future of female representation in these critical areas.
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