Bournemouth University [BU] in collaboration with BCP Council, Barclays Eagle Labs Bournemouth and Jheronimus Academy of Data Science [JADS] recently joined forces to run a successful (virtual) ‘Smart Ports’ Hackathon aimed at finding solutions to 3 challenges set by Portsmouth, Poole and Portland Ports..

Over a period of 4 days, the Hackathon which was facilitated by Bournemouth Eagle Labs brought together more than 50 participants representing local technology firms and developers, to work with student talent at Bournemouth University and from around the globe.

10 teams explored and prototyped ways to leverage emerging technology to manage air quality, berth auctioning and an interactive passenger information system, in an atmosphere of creativity and co-operation with each team competing to deliver the most innovative prototype solutions.

The Virtual Hackathon is just one initiative that Bournemouth University and the BCP Council’s Economic Development team are delivering as partners on the Interreg 2 Seas ‘Smart Ports Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Development (SPEED) Project’. The project aims to develop the conditions for leading, creating and delivering smart ports innovation.

Each of the teams presented back their findings at the end of the Hackathon, with Bournemouth- based IT firm Daizy, being announced as the overall winner.

Adrian Trevett, Head of Economic Development at BCP Council said: “The judges were incredibly impressed with the quality of the solutions presented at the SPEED virtual Hackathon and would like to pass on our congratulations to all involved. It was a tough decision, but the judges felt that team Daizy (including BU students) provided the best solution for air quality monitoring in ports and were worthy winners – well done Daizy! We look forward to sharing your solution with the ports engaged with the SPEED programme.”

The judges also passed on their thanks to the partner organisations of the Hackathon – Barclays Eagle Labs (Bournemouth), Bournemouth University and JADS and welcomed the opportunity to support future Hackathons and bringing together businesses and students to knowledge share.

Mark Piper, Chief Technology Officer at Daizy, added: “We’re delighted to have won the Hackathon against some great competition. The challenge helped to show some of the best features of the Daizy platform, including our ability to ingest large volume data sets and the flexibility to quickly build applications.  In addition, our previous experience managing air quality monitoring projects in Scotland, and the innovation of the mobile application and machine learning models from the BU students, came together to produce a really strong solution that we hope we can turn into reality and benefit those involved in the SPEED Project.”

Videos of the solutions for air quality, berth auctioning and an interactive passenger information system can be accessed from the links below: