Innovating the future campus: reflections from the Middlesex Hackathon

28 April 2026

Students and a tutor in a computing classroom
A black and white portrait of Dr Kelly Androutsopoulos

Article Written By

Dr Kelly Androutsopoulos and Professor Serengul Smith

We are proud to share the success of our recent Hackathon at Middlesex University, open to all student years on BSc Computer Science, BSc Information Technology and BSc AI and Data Science programmes.

Smart campus of the future

It was held on 3 March 2026 with the theme “The Smart Campus of the Future”. We had 39 students participating who worked collaboratively in teams to design and develop innovative prototype solutions, reimagining the campus experience.

Innovative teamwork

Some examples of work produced, include an AI supported study assistant system, that broke down assignments or study goals into tasks and automatically assigned time for them in the calendar. Completing the tasks was gamified to enhance motivation, e.g. gaining XP when completing tasks and added to a leader board.

Another team implemented an alarm system, for allowing students at risk to safely and quickly call security, providing a safe word and video evidence if needed.

Winning entry

The winning team, Kamil Gzyl and Ritesh Sachania (first year Computer Science students), developed a multi-authentication registration application, using RFID for card authentication and OpenCV for facial recognition. The system was implemented using Go, C and Python and allowed students to have multiple ways to register their attendance but also to track usage of a room and understand when they leave the classroom.

Presentation to the deans

The teams also got a chance to present their work with the faculty Dean Klaus Dodds and Dean of Research Sally Priest. Their energy, creativity, and technical excellence were truly inspiring. The solutions showcased the remarkable potential of our future technology leaders.

“The hackathon was a standout example for me of how our students and staff bridge theory with practice - in this case considering how an app could be developed to aid and abet the “smart campus”. What I witnessed was real-time team building in combination with creative experimentation."

Professor Klaus Dodds

We are incredibly proud of all the students who participated and contributed to making this event such a success. Special thanks to Michael Heeney who also supported us in organising this event.

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