Faculty of Engineering and Computing header
Faculty of Engineering and Computing
Team members who participated in the DCU FIRST© LEGO© League Challenge Hackathon at the weekend.
Team Group A who were crowned the Overall Champions for demonstrating exceptional creativity and technical skill with Jennifer Bruton, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Computing. Image from Creative Hut.

Engineering and Computing talent shines at DCU LEGO© League Challenge

The Faculty of Engineering and Computing at Dublin City University (DCU) successfully hosted another DCU FIRST© LEGO© League Challenge Hackathon at the weekend.

The event marked the third in a series hosted by the Faculty in partnership with CreativeHUT who launched a Hackathon for undergraduate students in March 2024. 

DCU's state-of-the-art Polaris Building buzzed with energy as undergraduate and graduate students, alongside external participants from institutions including Foróige Leaders, Dunboyne College, STInt, Rathmines College, Alexandra College, New Cross College, and Beneavin College, gathered for the thrilling, eight-hour Challenge. The event required teams to design, program, and build LEGO Robots to compete in a demanding Robot Game competition.

Following eight hours of intense focus, collaboration, and friendly rivalry, the results were announced, celebrating technical skill and innovative design. Team Group A were crowned the Overall Champions for demonstrating exceptional creativity and technical skill.

The competition pushed participants' limits, encouraging innovative solutions and showcasing impressive problem-solving skills, particularly in the core Robot Game competition. 

Commenting on the event, Jennifer Bruton, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Computing said:

“The DCU FIRST© LEGO© League Challenge Hackathon was a resounding success. We are proud to have offered participants such a valuable platform to gain experience, forge new connections, and create positive memories.”

About FIRST® LEGO® League Ireland

FIRST® LEGO® League Ireland is a hands-on STEAM robotics programme run throughout Ireland for ages 4-16. The programme introduces children to robotics and engineering through engaging activities, where teams build and programme LEGO® robots to tackle a series of missions and solve real-world problems.

Through its partnership with DCU, FIRST® LEGO® League inspires early interest in STEM, raises university awareness among Transition Year students, and promotes inclusion and collaboration between domestic and international university cohorts. DCU supports a Practice Studio for children on St Patrick’s Campus, and offers team mentoring from DCU staff.