Co‑op Hackathon October 2024

This exciting, FREE, two-day event aims to bring co-operators together to develop joined-up digital infrastructure to support the co-op movement. 

Delivered by Co‑operatives UK, the Co‑op Hackathon is sponsored by The Co‑operative Bank and Central Co‑op. It will be hosted by Central Co-op at their headquarters in Lichefield, Staffordshire on 1‑2 October. 

Why? Co‑operatives UK is on a mission to promote digital innovation in the co‑op movement. One way to do this is through Co‑op Hackathons. After our successful first hackathon in October 2023 in London, and a second one in May 2024 in Manchester, we’re excited to be putting on a third Co‑op Hackathon. 

Our mission for this event is to harness more ethical tech expertise, energy and ambition to develop solutions to movement‑wide challenges – solutions that connect co‑ops and make them even more effective and successful.

Preparations for the third Co‑op Hackathon began at Co‑op Congress in June. A Hackathon Round Table session took place to lay the groundwork for the hack days in October. And further online sessions will take place before the hackathon to help shape the event. 

How to get involved

Do you have a vision for how joined‑up digital infrastructure can boost the co‑op movement? Do you have the skills, passion and expertise to contribute to its development?

• Register your interest in the Co‑op Hackathon on 1-2 October by completing our expression of interest form. A member of our team will be in touch to confirm your attendance and next steps.
• Take part in online sessions ahead of the hackathon to help shape and prepare for the hackathon – details will be circulated once your registration is confirmed.

Travel bursaries

Co-operatives UK is committed to making our events as accessible as possible. Thanks to our event sponsor, The Co‑operative Bank, we will have a limited number of bursaries for this event to contribute towards the cost of travel and accommodation. Details of this will be confirmed by the end of August. 

Venue and timings

The Co-op Hackathon is taking place on Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 October 2024 in Lichfield, Staffordshire. Any questions, please contact [email protected] 

Tuesday 1 October

9.30am-5.30pm and an evening social:  

• Introductions and networking.  
• Opening presentations followed by collaborative hacking in teams.  
• There will also be a social event in the evening. 

Wednesday 2 October

9.30am-6pm:

• A second, full day of working together to develop tech that boosts the co-op movement with joined-up digital infrastructure.  
• From 4-6pm there will be final presentations and networking. Teams will present what they’ve done and what the next steps will be.