Highways professionals, software developers, researchers, students and communications specialists are being invited to work together to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing local roads at a new innovation hackathon in Northampton this September.
The WNC Highways & Innovation Hackathon 2026, taking place on 8 September at the University of Northampton’s Waterside Campus, aims to bring together people from a wide range of backgrounds to develop practical solutions for real-world highways problems using artificial intelligence, data and collaborative thinking.
Organised by the West Northamptonshire Council, the free one-day event is designed to show that innovation in highways is not solely the domain of engineers or software developers. Instead, organisers are encouraging multidisciplinary teams, combining technical expertise with operational experience and local knowledge, to generate ideas that could make a tangible difference to the way highway networks are managed.
Participants will spend the day working with facilitators and subject experts on challenges including improving the identification, prioritisation and repair of potholes, using technology and local knowledge to strengthen highway asset management, and finding better ways to communicate with residents, parish councils and other stakeholders.
The organisers stress that no previous experience of AI, programming or highways engineering is required, saying the strongest ideas often emerge from teams with diverse skills and perspectives. Individuals are welcome to attend on their own or as part of an existing team, with networking and collaboration forming a key part of the day.
As AI continues to move into mainstream highways operations, from asset management and inspection to customer engagement and decision support, the hackathon reflects a growing emphasis across the sector on combining technology with practical operational expertise to address long-standing challenges facing local authorities.
The event runs from 9.30am to 6pm on Tuesday 8 September at the University of Northampton’s Waterside Campus. Attendance is free, with advance registration required via Eventbrite.
(File picture – Yay Images)
