Spread over two days, the Techathon event consists of core challenges.
In teams, each group works on a challenge and comes up with an innovative solution.
The Techathon is organised by Step into Tech, a not-for-profit that aims to help young people reach their full tech potential.
Techathon is for anyone, from complete beginners to tech wizards.
A two-day Hackathon for young people, part of Norwich Science Festival.
Tickets for the two-day event cost a maximum of £10, and include lunch, snacks and refreshments on both days. Book your tickets on Eventbrite now!
-The Step into Tech Team
The Techathon lets young people aged 8 to 18 explore the possibilities of technology in an informal and creative environment. Over the course of two days, each team takes on one of our challenges, trying out ideas, finding out what works and what doesn’t.
It’s a great opportunity to meet like-minded people, expert mentors and even potential future employers. It’s a fun-packed event with the opportunity to learn new skills, make friends and even win prizes. Find out more in our FAQs (below), or check out the images from our last event. For any additional queries email hello@stepintotech.org.
There are four prizes: Idea, Teamwork, Awesomeness and Implementation.
What is the Techathon?
A two day event where young people have fun exploring tech and taking on tech challenges. To give you more of a flavour check out the images from our last techathon.
Who is the Techathon for?
Young people aged 8-18 who are not yet at university and are interested in tech.
Does my child need to know how to program or have any technology experience?
No, the Techathon is for anyone, from complete beginners to tech wizards. The challenges are designed to let everyone take part and approach them in their own way – whether that’s thinking about ways to tackle a problem, designing a possible solution, building something in Scratch or taking on some advanced coding. There will be friendly, professional mentors on hand to help.
What will my child get out of attending the Techathon?
They can find out about different technologies, and learn from each other and from mentors who are already working in the tech industry. It’s not just about programming / coding – there’s the opportunity to develop other skills like understanding how to approach a challenge and work in a team. It’s also a chance to make friends and have fun.
Does my child need to be part of a team?
Participants can tackle challenges on their own or as part of a team of up to four people. You can come with your friends as a ready-made team, or we can help put you into a team with other young people. Please let us know if you need help teaming up, contact us.
Do parents / guardians need to be there?
If your child is 12 or under, you must accompany them to the Techathon. Participants aged 13 or over can attend on their own, provided we have details of an emergency contact. Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to attend the initial introductory session and the final show-and-tell / prize-giving!
How much will attending the Techathon cost?
A two day ticket costs £10, which includes lunch / snacks / refreshments for the young person. If cost is a problem for you, please contact us – we can provide a free ticket thanks to the support of our sponsors. You can get tickets online.
Be challenged and supported by real industry experts from around the county and further afield.
Techathon has space for up to 80 young people aged 8-18 and is open to all genders.
There will be prizes for the best creative solutions – the competition isn’t just about coding, but also being creative, designing, inventing and working well as a team. Come with an open mind to learn more and don’t expect everything to go right first time – some of the best learning comes from making mistakes and overcoming setbacks!
Work on the challenges must end by 2pm on the second day. Parents / guardians are very welcome to join us to see what everyone has made. This will then be followed by the Award Ceremony where the winning teams will receive their prizes.
Day 1 – 19th February
9:00 Doors open for registration at Norwich School – The Blake Studio
9:30 Introductions
10:30 Short walk to the Daynes Sport Centre
10:40 Techathon begins
12:00 Lunch
16:00 Doors close (you can continue creating at home if you wish!)
Day 2 – 20th February
9:00 Doors open at Norwich School – The Daynes Sports Centre
12:00 Lunch
14:00 Non-staying parents/guardians invited to see what everyone has made at The Daynes Sports Centre
14:45 Short Walk to The Blake Studio
15:00 Awards ceremony in the presentation room at Norwich School – The Blake Studio
16:00 Event closes
The Techathon is organised by Step into Tech, a not-for-profit that aims to help young people reach their full tech potential.
The Blake Studio & Daynes Sports Centre
Refer to schedule for timings for attending each space. Directions videos are below.
Norwich School
71a The Close
Norwich
Norfolk
NR1 4DD
Step Into Tech CIC
Unit 3
Hill Farm
Kirby Road
Kirby Bedon
Norwich
NR14 7DU
Company reg no.: 10840303
Watch our video to learn how to get from Tombland to the Blake Studio, where registration will be taking place.
Watch our videos to learn how to access the Daynes Sports Centre from Tombland on the second day.
We welcome news coverage of our event. If you would like to provide coverage over the techathon event, please contact our PR department.
The Techathon is organised by Step into Tech, a not-for-profit that aims to help young people reach their full tech potential. Step into Tech also runs the Norwich Young Makers Tech Club. The individuals running the event are DBS-checked.
