Drogheda’s First AI hackathon brings students and businesses together
- July 14, 2026
- News from The Mill
Drogheda’s First AI hackathon brings students and businesses together
Students, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators came together at The Mill Enterprise Hub on Saturday, July 11, for Drogheda’s first AI Hackathon, a hands-on event that challenged participants to use artificial intelligence to build practical tools, explore new ideas, and develop valuable digital skills.
The free event, Codex Community Builder Day in partnership with Give (a) Go, was held at The Mill Enterprise Hub in Drogheda. It encouraged participants to move from discussing artificial intelligence to actively applying it to real-world solutions. This event was the first in a planned series of hackathons at The Mill, aimed at developing AI, technology, and innovation skills across the North East.
Participants used Codex in ChatGPT to explore how AI can enhance productivity, automation, content creation, business development, app building, and workflow design. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced tracks ensured accessibility for all technical levels.
Students worked on ideas ranging from apps, websites, and early-stage business concepts to tools that could support study, productivity, and everyday tasks. Business participants explored how AI could be used to streamline internal processes, improve customer support, enhance marketing activity, and develop practical tools for their organisations.
Speaking after the event, Ronan Whitty, CEO of The Mill Enterprise Hub, said:
“This is the first in a series of AI Hackathons at The Mill, designed to give people across the North East practical opportunities to build skills, test ideas, and explore how AI can support innovation and business growth. It was fantastic to see students, businesses, and innovators working side by side to create real solutions.”
The event included practical talks, mentor support, build sessions, live demonstrations, and networking. Participants were encouraged to address real-world challenges and leave with a tangible outcome, such as a prototype, a workflow, a business idea, or a deeper understanding of AI applications.
Culvii, an AI agent company based at The Mill Enterprise Hub and a member of the BASSE North East program, has also supported the event. Aravind Ravi, Founder of Culvii, said:
“AI becomes most valuable when people move from theory to practical application. Events like this give students, founders, and businesses the confidence to experiment, build, and understand where AI can make a meaningful difference.
“Being based at The Mill allows Culvii to be part of a growing community of technology-focused businesses in the Northeast. It is exciting to see The Mill creating more opportunities for start-ups, established companies, and emerging talent to learn from one another and explore what is possible with AI.
The Hackathon also provided local companies with an opportunity to introduce employees, interns, and graduates to AI in a practical and engaging environment. The event was supported by The Mill Enterprise Hub, Skillnet Innovation Exchange, Coca-Cola Ireland, Culvii, and Local Enterprise Office Louth.
The Mill Enterprise Hub will continue to help businesses, students, and the wider community develop practical AI and innovation skills through future hackathons, workshops, and business programs.
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