[Blog] Middlesex University Mauritius Hosts Thrilling 24-Hour Hackathon

The scenic Middlesex University Mauritius campus was abuzz with innovation and creativity as the IEEE Middlesex University Mauritius Student Branch Team hosted the IEEEMDXTHON 2024. Held in the refreshing open air of Flic en Flac, this 24-hour hackathon saw around 100 participants from various universities, including the University of Mauritius (UOM), University of Derby Mauritius (UDM), Middlesex University Mauritius (MDX), Polytechnics, and Université de Strasbourg.

The event kicked off with an inspiring opening ceremony. The Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Director of Middlesex University Mauritius delivered words of encouragement, setting the tone for an event focused on addressing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The hackathon’s theme resonated with many industry professionals, who were keen to see innovative solutions developed by the participants.
Generously sponsored by GWS Technologies, Dayforce, SD Worx, Silver Cloud, SWAN, and partnered with American Space, the hackathon set high standards for the participants. The requirements included developing a Progressive Web App featuring map and tracker functionalities and incorporating gamification elements.

The event attracted a diverse group, from first-year students to fresh graduates, who worked tirelessly through the night. The competition's logistics were praised, and a networking session during Saturday's lunch allowed participants to connect with sponsors and industry professionals.

As the night wore on, fatigue set in, but the participants encouraged each other to push through. The energy and camaraderie were palpable, with more than 15 projects completed by the end of the 24-hour period.

In a surprising turn of events, the solo participant who had registered without a team emerged as the winner. Initially skeptical about his chances, the organizers and participants were amazed by his perseverance and skills.

The winning project, already live at monature.vercel.app, earned him the top spot under the team name "CodeX." The first runner-up was "Anonymous," followed by "Nemesis," and the "coup de Coeur" award went to "Cyber Ghosts."

The closing ceremony was filled with anticipation as the winners were announced. Each sponsor delivered a speech, commending the participants for their hard work and innovative solutions. The event concluded with a celebration of talent, collaboration, and a shared commitment to addressing global challenges through technology.

Mari Jansen Van Rensburg described the event as more than just a competition. "This event was not just a competition but a real-world collaborative effort to raise awareness about SDGs. Participants were challenged to develop a website incorporating innovative features such as games, a marketplace, and a map and tracker for SDGs. As a university, we appreciate the value of student-led and industry-relevant initiatives that empower our students to engage with real-world problems and develop practical skills that will benefit them in their future careers. It was great to see that students worked together, had fun, and built lasting connections to serve them well beyond their time at the university."

The excitement continues on campus as Middlesex University Mauritius prepares for its graduation ceremony next week. This event will celebrate the academic achievements of students and mark the culmination of their studies. The upcoming graduation promises to be a memorable occasion, capping off a vibrant week of events and accomplishments at the university.