Belgium Campus iTversity participated in its second Entelect Challenge University Cup earlier this month. Future tech leaders from universities across the country showcased their programming skills at the one day hackathon, which marked Entelects’ 3rd annual event. The event was open to undergraduate students and full time honours students, and we were proud to have 20 students from a range of courses and years, representing Belgium Campus iTversity and giving the challenge their all.

In teams of 2 or 3, the online event challenged participants to optimise the placement of batteries in a power grid for an alternative fuel company. Successfully doing this would reduce the negative effect that gaps between batteries has on the transmission and distribution of power. Presented with 5 power grids and 25 battery shapes, participants were required to create an algorithm that would place the batteries in an optimal location, while taking into account the space already used for other components within the grids.

Although our students found the event challenging, it provided them with a unique opportunity to strengthen their programming capabilities in a fun and rewarding way. It also allowed them to improve their teamwork, critical thinking and time management skills. Read what some of our students had to say about the experience:

“The hackathon taught us to work as a team. We bonded through brainstorming sessions and learnt a lot from each other. As first years, my team and I didn’t have much programming experience but we improvised and learnt as we went. Overall, it was an amazing experience and I will definitely do it again!” – Francois Greeff, 1st year Bachelor of Computing student.

“Working as part of a team to try to solve a challenge under time constraints was a fun and exciting experience. Even though we didn’t win, I learnt a lot from the event and I would love to do it again.” – Elne Van Wyk, 3rd year Bachelor of Computing student.

“The hackathon expanded my programming knowledge. I learnt how to use basic Java and Python, two languages I had never worked with before. I also learnt a lot about working as part of a team, and it was fun working together to try to solve the challenge. It is definitely an event I would like to participate in again.” – Zandrei Kleynhans, 1st year Bachelor of Computing student.

We may not have won the cup but our students’ feedback and positive attitude reminds us that at Belgium Campus iTversity our cup remains half full. And don’t count us out just yet, we are sharpening our programming skills and will be back for the cup next year!

Read about the other exciting hackathons Belgium Campus iTversity participated in this year: Hack the Waste (a 24-hour hackathon which challenged students from all over the world to develop innovative solutions to the global waste problem): Hack The Waste 2020 GirlCode (an all-female hackathon that challenged participants to solve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic): Female Students Strife App