Matheson and University College Cork (UCC) recently welcomed a record 90 students to the fourth annual Matheson and UCC Hackathon, held at UCC on Tuesday, 13 October 2026.
The event, which forms part of the UCC and Matheson Innovation Partnership, brings together students from across a range of disciplines to tackle real-world business challenges through innovation, collaboration and critical thinking. This year’s challenge focused on the future of work, inviting participants to explore how organisations can attract, develop and retain talent in an environment shaped by technological advancement, changing workforce expectations and evolving workplace models.
Students were welcomed to the event by Professor Conor O’Mahony, Head of the College of Business and Law at UCC, before attending a panel discussion chaired by Gráinne Callanan, partner and Head of Matheson’s Cork office. Panellists included Bryan Hyland of Morgan McKinley, Diarmuid Bowe of JP Morgan Workplace Solutions and Professor Nessa Lynch, Matheson Lecturer in Law, Innovation and Technology at UCC, who shared their perspectives on leadership, talent development and the future of work.
Throughout the day, students worked in teams to develop innovative solutions before presenting their ideas to a judging panel comprising Professor Nessa Lynch, UCC, Fiona Murphy, McAfee, and Raphael Clancy, partner at Matheson. Participants were also supported by mentors including David O’Keeffe, AIB, Jack Cotter, Qualcomm, and Shyam Bukkaraya Samudram, Qualcomm, who provided guidance and insights throughout the competition. The event was hosted by Kieran O’Sullivan, senior associate at Matheson.
Following a series of competitive pitches, Team 7 was named the overall winner and awarded the €5,000 top prize. The winning team comprised Nathan Manley, Ciara Murphy, Toby Tangney, Eamon Walsh and Nia Zaridze, whose solution impressed the judges with its creativity and practical application.
Commenting on the event, Shane Hogan, Managing Partner of Matheson, said:
“Innovation is one of Matheson’s core values, and this year’s UCC Hackathon showcased the critical thinking and collaboration that will be essential for future business success. The standard of ideas developed by the students was exceptional, particularly in tackling the opportunities and challenges presented by a rapidly changing business landscape. Through our partnership with UCC, we are proud to support the next generation of innovators and leaders.”
The continued success of the Hackathon reflects the strength of the relationship between Matheson and UCC and a shared commitment to fostering innovation, supporting talent development and preparing students to address the challenges and opportunities of the future workplace.
Diarmuid Bowe, JP Morgan Workplace Solutions; Professor Nessa Lynch, Matheson Lecturer in Law, Innovation and Technology at UCC; Gráinne Callanan, partner and Head of Matheson’s Cork office; Kieran O’Sullivan, senior associate, Matheson; and Bryan Hyland, Morgan McKinley.
