Bupa UniHack 2020

A free virtual hackathon for university students to engage with employers on four high-impact issues that are shaping the world we live in.

.. and many other leading employers (watch this space!)


Connect with employers to showcase your ideas and skills

UniHack is your opportunity to share your ideas with other students and employers on how we can address some of the biggest issues that are shaping the world we live and work in. What should automobile companies do to address climate change? How can law firms improve workplace diversity? How do we support mental health of students impacted by Covid-19? If you have ideas to share, the world is ready to listen.

And that's not all. You can win fabulous prizes, connect with employers and showcase your skills.

Connect with employers

Share your ideas, engage in conversations and get feedback

Showcase your ideas

Showcase and test your ideas with inputs from business leaders and entrepreneurs

Win prizes           

Get noticed and rewarded for your creative and valuable ideas

Expand your community

Connect with peers from other universities to be a part of a community of future innovators

What do I need to do to participate?

Post 1
Register interest

Just enter your email to receive guidelines and alerts. Invite your friends to join in.

Open now

3 Manage
Develop ideas

Discuss and debate your ideas on our virtual platform. Upload your solutions; include a video or images to make it impactful!

7th - 22th Nov

2 Select
Confirm details

Form your team or join one. Then select a track or define your own. Finally, set up your virtual teamspace for collaboration.

Opens 21th Oct

4 Evaluate
Win prizes

Prototype your idea with mentors,
business leaders and investors.
Win prizes and testimonials. Have fun!

8 Dec


You and your team will be invited to join a curated set of tutorials and help sessions with business leaders and investors during 9-20 November. The first round results will be announced on 30 November and up to 20 teams will be invited to join a three day virtual event with employers and mentors during 6-8 December. The final winners will be announced on 7 December. During this time, you will have complete access to your virtual workspace where you can share plans, files and messages with your team mates. We will also assign a virtual mentor to support and guide you, as needed.

UniHack Tracks

We invite teams to offer ideas and solution on any of the following track.

Climate Change

2019 concluded a decade of exceptional global heat, retreating ice, and record sea levels, driven by greenhouse gases produced by human activities. Millions of students and young people have taken to the streets to demand radical action on the unfolding emergency. This problem is not going away, and we must act now.

Register
Diversity in the Workplace

We all heard the cacophony of voices imploring for diversity and inclusion growing louder and more powerful during the recent explosion of the #BlackLivesMatter movement. As the news cycle moves on, it is up to us to ensure that we continue to push for structural equality within the many systems that make up our society.


Register
Mental Health

75% of young people with mental illness are not receiving treatment, and the average time between young people first showing symptoms and receiving effective treatment is 10 years.
It is critical that we act soon to prevent this crisis from truly damaging this generation, and future generations, beyond repair.

Register
Open Innovations

This is an opportunity for you to show us a topic you care about. We want to hear your ideas for revolutionary change outside of our other tracks. In the wake of COVID-19 many pressing issues have come to light; online learning, sustainable fashion etc. Let us know your thoughts on these issues.


Register

Want to know more? Check out the FAQs or simply drop us an email

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Hackathon?

Hackathons are events where people come together (physically or remotely!) and collaborate in small teams to come up with creative solutions to specific problems, within a set time limit. Traditionally, hackathons were all about coding or creating hardware/software, but the definition has changed to become more inclusive.

UniHack 2020 is different from other, existing hackathons in a few ways. Firstly, the hackathon will involve students in multiple universities across the UK, allowing for a more diverse range of fellow participants, as well as the chance to connect with people outside your typical university bubble! Secondly, the themes of the various tracks have been selected specifically to target social issues which are a) particularly relevant currently; and b) proven to be of key importance to university students. This could be a chance to get involved in something you truly care about. And lastly, UniHack 2020 is entirely virtual! Powered by ProjectSet's online collaborative tool, you will be able to discuss your ideas, receive guidance, present, and be judged - all from the comfort of your own home!

UniHack 2020 is a student-only event. It is focused on university students looking to gain experience, skills, and exposure to employers in a time when internships and work experience opportunities are scarcer than they have been in recent years. However, if you are a recent graduate and are interested in participating in similar hackathons, please register your interest here and we will notify you when we host one in 2021! Or watch this space; we will be hosting more hackathons in 2021 which may be open to additional groups.

As well as being a fun way to connect with fellow students over important issues, UniHack 2020 will be a fantastic way to boost your CV, especially in a time when the future of internships and work experience is a little uncertain! You will pick up key skills - including teamwork, communication, working to deadlines, thinking outside the box, compromising, working virtually, and self-management - all of which are amongst the top skills valued by employers! We will additionally be allowing employers to connect with star participants after the event, meaning this could be a great way to secure future opportunities with some of our great sponsors.

Yes - participation is entirely free. All you will need is a computer/laptop and a half-decent internet connection. We also recommend having some paper and a pen to brainstorm ideas on - oh, and lots of snacks to keep you going!

You need at least 2, and at most 6 people in your team. They may be enrolled in the same or in different universities. This is a great opportunity to team up with a group of peers and come up with awesome ideas, for a good cause - and get rewarded for it.

It's simple and easy. Just select the option 'Form my own team' when you register for UniHack 2020 (this process will start on 24th October). You will be prompted to enter the email IDs of the other members of your team, and they will automatically be informed and connected to your team.
In addition, if you select the option to 'Invite applications', we will send several student profiles your way for you to choose from. This is a great way to connect with new people, or top-up a partly-staffed team!

It's simple to join a team, too! In October, we will connect you to a number of teams that are looking for members. You will be able to view their virtual profiles and, if interested, apply to join the team with just a click. You can apply to more than one team - however, you will be automatically assigned to the first team that accepts your application.

  • Now - 24 Oct: Register your interest to participate (just your name and email ID).
  • 22 Oct / 29 Oct / 5 Nov: Participants onboarding webinar (90 mins). All those who have registered their interest will be sent a link.
  • 24 Oct - 6 Nov: Register your team - either form or join one. All those who have registered their interest will be sent a link.
  • 31 Oct - 22 Nov: Hackathon Phase-1.
  • 3 Nov: Webinar Tutorial 1 - for all participants.
  • 10 Nov: Webinar Tutorial 2 - for all participants.
  • 17 Nov: Webinar Tutorial 3 - for all participants.
  • 17 Nov: Webinar Tutorial 4 - for all participants.
  • 22 Nov, 11:59PM: Deadline for all teams to submit Phase-1 submissions.
  • 30 Nov: Winners of Phase-1 announced. Members of all winning teams will be emailed details for participation in Phase-2. All participants will be emailed any comments and feedback from judges.
  • 3 Dec: Warm-up team webinars - each team in Phase-2 will have a webinar with their respective mentors in preparation for the Grand Finale.
  • 6-8 Dec: Grand Finale.

You can spend as much or as little time on the hackathon as you want to; it is entirely up to you and your team. We recommend you plan for at least 10 hours for Phase-1 (31 October to 22 November) and - if your team qualifies - 10 hours a day for the grand finale, aka Phase-2 (6-8 December).
Of course, the more time you invest, the more people you will connect with and the more valuable your ideas and experience are likely to be.

Of course. You will have a mentor to guide your team as well as the opportunity to join several virtual tutorials during Phase-1 (31 October to 22 November). In Phase-2 (6-8 December), you will get active coaching and guidance from your mentor, and a host of advice and steering from business and thought leaders. Finally, our team will be on hand to help you if you get stuck.

You really don't need to come armed with any existing knowledge. We will provide pointers of things you might like to think about, and of course your mentor will be on hand to give advice. Learning along the way is one of the key aims of UniHack. You will also likely find that once you start talking with your team, the creative juices start to flow!

Of course, you can share and discuss ideas offline. At the same time, we encourage you to log all your key ideas on the platform to get the most benefit. Firstly, this will allow your mentors to see what you are working on and offer proper advice. Secondly, it will help the judges evaluate your work, notably on your collaboration and teamwork.

One of the advantages of virtual working is that some of the pressure is off! Presenting online is far less scary than in real life, plus you'll be presenting alongside your teammates. If you've never presented before, or have had limited experience presenting at university, this could be a great opportunity to develop your skills.

The judging panel will be independent of the organiser and will comprise business leaders with strong knowledge and experience relating to the tracks. They will review all submissions and and offer feedback within a week. We will share the evaluation criteria with you during the onboarding session.

We will have exciting prizes worth thousands of pounds for all winners. Watch this space for more details.
We will also offer all participants who successfully complete the two phases with a Certificate.

Please ask away! You can send questions at any time to Holly at holly.sach@projectset.com - if you make the subject title of your email 'UniHack 2020 Student Query' then we can get back to you even sooner.

Social Media Competitions Terms & Conditions

  1. By entering the promotion, entrants confirm that they have read and agree to be bound by these terms and conditions and all rules and guidelines applicable to the use of this social media platform (Instagram/ Twitter/ Facebook). 

  1. Promoter: The Promoter is ProjectSet Limited, 35 Kingsland Road, London E2 8AA (12189080) (the “Promoter”).

  1. How to enter:

    1. To enter this promotion, entrants must follow @project.set on Instagram, or @ProjectSetLtd on Facebook, or @ProjectSetUK on Twitter, like the post on the respective social media channel and tag two friends in the comments on the relevant post. 

    2. Entrants may share the post on their story as an extra entry, in doing so they must tag the respective page of the social media channel, @project.set on Instagram, or @ProjectSetLtd on Facebook, or @ProjectSetUK on Twitter, in the story post for it to be counted.

    3. Entrants must be UK residents, aged 18 years or over. This promotion is not open to any employees of the Promoter or any of their affiliate companies, their families, agents or anyone else connected with this promotion.

    4. One entry allowed per person. In the case of 3.2 we will allow two entries per person to anyone who acts as specified in 3.2. Entries submitted on behalf of another person will not be accepted and joint submissions are not allowed. Incomplete, illegible, misdirected or late entries will not be accepted.

    5. If applicable, copyright in all entries shall belong to the Promoter. Entries shall not be returned to entrants.

    6. No purchase is necessary, however internet access is required.

  1. Promotion Period: The promotion is open to entries from 00.00 BST on 24th October 2020 until 23.59 BST on 7th November 2020.

  1. Prize:

    1. The promoter is offering entrants the chance to win a £10 Amazon Voucher.  There is one prize only to be won.

    2. The prize is non-refundable, non-transferable and non-exchangeable and there is no cash alternative offered. The Promoter reserves the right to offer an alternative prize of equal or greater value.

  1. How is the winner selected and notified:

    1. The winner will be randomly selected from all valid entries received during the Promotion Period by an independent person, or under the supervision of an independent person.

    2. The winner will be contacted within 2 days of the draw via Instagram Direct Message/ comment on the original entry using the contact details provided with their entry and will be asked to provide their full name and address. If a winner declines a prize or fails to respond within the required period, they forfeit any right to the prize. If a winner fails to respond within 4 days of this initial contact, a redraw will take place from the remaining valid entries to select a new winner. A winner may be required to submit valid identification before receiving their prize.

    3. The prize will be sent via email to the address supplied within 2 weeks of notification and the winner will be required to sign to acknowledge receipt.

  1. Incomplete, illegible, misdirected or late entries will not be accepted. Proof of sending will not be accepted as proof of delivery or receipt. No responsibility can be accepted for entries that are incomplete, lost due to technical reasons, corrupted, delayed, wrongly delivered, or not received for whatsoever reason. 

  2. The Promoter reserves the right to discount any inappropriate or offensive entries and to disqualify any entries if the Promoter, at its sole discretion, believes that there has been an attempt to manipulate or tamper with the operation of the promotion (including, without limitation, by setting up multiple Instagram accounts in order to submit multiple entries).

  1. The Promoter’s decision is final and binding. No correspondence will be entered into. Entry implies acceptance of these terms and conditions. 

  2. In the event of unforeseen circumstances or circumstances outside its reasonable control, the Promoter reserves the right to modify or discontinue, temporarily or permanently, this promotion without prior notice.

  3. Entrants agree to be bound by the decisions of the Promoter, which are final in all matters relating to the promotion. No correspondence will be entered into in respect of the Promoter’s decisions.

  4. The Promoter does not accept responsibility for network, computer or software failures of any kind and has no responsibility for lost, delayed or misdirected entries. The Promoter does not accept any responsibility for any infringement of any third party intellectual property rights caused by entrants entering this promotion.

  5. If any of these terms and conditions are found by a court or regulator to be invalid or unenforceable the remaining other provisions shall continue to apply.

  6. Nothing in these terms excludes the Promoter’s liability for death or personal injury caused by its negligence or for fraud, or any other liability that the Promoter may not exclude by law.  Subject to that, the Promoter and its associated companies will not be liable for any loss (including, without limitation, indirect, special or consequential loss or loss of profits) expense or damage which is suffered or sustained in connection with this promotion or accepting or using any prize, including any loss incurred as a result of any delay and/or failure to perform any obligation to the winner or other entrants that is caused by:

    1. technical problems of any kind which may limit or prevent any person's participation in the promotion;

    2. any loss or damage arising from or in connection with the allocation or enjoyment of a prize;

    3. any act or omission of any third party, particularly any third party involved in the provision of services relevant to the prize; or

    4. any other events beyond the Promoter's control that may cause the promotion to be disrupted or corrupted or may lead to loss of, or damage to, the winner or to the prize.

  1. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by or associated with Facebook, Instagram or any other social media channel.  By entering, entrants acknowledge that Facebook and Instagram do not bear any responsibility for this promotion and, to the maximum extent permitted by law, entrants release Facebook and Instagram from any liability whatsoever in connection with this promotion. All information entrants provide when they enter the promotion is provided to the Promoter and not to Facebook, Instagram or any other social media channel.

  2. The Promoter shall use entrants’ personal data for the purposes of carrying out the promotion, and in the case of winner’s data, as set out in the Promoter’s privacy policy available at https://projectset.com/privacy-policy and further explained in the following paragraphs.

  3. Subject to the winner’s rights under applicable data protection legislation, the Promoter shall be entitled to use and feature the name of the Competition winner for publicity purposes and winners agree that they will participate in any reasonable publicity arranged by the Promoter or its agencies.

  4. The Promoter will make the winner’s surname and county of residence available on request to anyone who sends a stamped self-addressed envelope to the Promoter within 10 weeks of the end of the Promotion Period, as required by the UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing (the “Code”). The Promoter may also be asked to provide the same details to the Advertising Standards Authority (“ASA”) who publish and enforce the Code. This use of the winner’s data is necessary for the Promoter’s legitimate interests in complying with the Code.  Winners who do not wish the Promoter to disclose these details to members of the public who request them, should let the Promoter know as soon as possible by emailing: media@projectset.com.  Winners may also object to the disclosure to the ASA by emailing the same address, giving reasons.  The Promoter will take these reasons into account if the ASA asks for the winners’ details. Please note, however, that the Promoter may nevertheless still be required to disclose this information to the ASA. This may happen where, for example, the Promoter is required to demonstrate that a valid award took place.

  5. These terms and conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and the parties agree that any dispute or action arising under or in connection with these terms and conditions shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of England.

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