Global tech leaders Microsoft, Infosys, and Asana joined Coventry students and E.ON’s IT experts at the energy company’s latest Artificial Intelligence (AI) Hackathon event, exploring innovative ways to use artificial intelligence to solve some of the energy sector’s most pressing challenges.

The two-day hackathon – an event where people engage in rapid and collaborative engineering problem solving over a short period of time – took place at E.ON’s Westwood Business Park HQ.

The challenge was simple yet ambitious: use AI to solve real-world business challenges and pitch the most promising ideas to a panel hosted by E.ON UK Board members including CEO Chris Norbury, Chief People Officer Helen Bradbury, and Ramona Vlasiu, Chief Operating officer of E.ON Next.

Teams taking part in the hackathon were provided with the tools and expertise to develop cutting-edge solutions. Supported by technology heavyweights including Microsoft, Snowflake, Infosys, and Asana, E.ON colleagues were challenged to solve these real-world business problems using artificial intelligence – all while fostering creativity, collaboration, and community.

Following the hackathon, the most promising concepts are showcased at the ‘AI Forum’ — a Dragons’ Den-style platform where teams present their ideas to a panel of senior digital and technology leaders, where their ideas could potentially secure funding for development and rollout.

Claire Whitmore, E.ON UK’s AI Taskforce Lead, said: “Our AI Hackathon series has been a phenomenal success, bringing together brilliant minds to tackle real-world challenges, as well as exploring cyber security improvements to keep data and people safe in a more digital world. The ideas presented at our Hackathon are not just innovative but have the potential to make a tangible impact on how we deliver energy solutions in the future. It’s inspiring to see such innovative ideas come to life in such a short time.”

Adding to the excitement, students from WMG Academy for Young Engineers in Coventry joined the second day of the event. Their involvement underscored E.ON’s commitment to nurturing future talent in the region and offered them the opportunity to collaborate with industry professionals to gain valuable insights into the role of AI in the energy sector.

Paula Carmichael, Student Careers Manager at WMG Academy for Young Engineers, Coventry, said: "It was a fantastic and invaluable experience for our students to visit E.ON during their hackathon. Not only did they have the opportunity to engage with global tech leaders like Microsoft, Infosys, and Asana, but they also gained invaluable insights into the real-world applications of AI in the energy sector. Our students were truly inspired by the potential career paths that AI innovations can lead to, and it’s exciting to see E.ON, as a major local employer, offering such great opportunities for young talent in Coventry. This experience has opened their eyes to the vast possibilities that lie ahead in the tech and energy industries."

The event concluded with three award categories: The E.ON AI Playmaker, celebrating the team that best embodied an innovative spirit; It’s on Us, recognising ideas that actively contribute to growth and sustainability; and Making New Energy Work, awarded to the team that pushed the boundaries to tackle the country’s most pressing energy challenges. Winning ideas showcased the transformative power of AI, including automating property assessments for air source heat pump suitability and deploying AI agents — systems capable of performing specific tasks independently — to drive smarter, more efficient operations.

E.ON’s AI Hackathon series highlights the company’s dedication to innovation and collaboration in addressing the evolving needs of the energy sector. By combining cutting-edge technology with fresh perspectives, E.ON is paving the way for smarter, more sustainable energy solutions that can transform the industry.

This commitment reflects E.ON’s 15-year Strategic Energy Partnership (SEP) with Coventry City Council, aimed at creating a self-sufficient, sustainable energy future for the city. The SEP has already secured funding for energy efficiency improvements in homes and business premises and has plans under way to equip public buildings and schools with solar energy while electrifying local transport.

Much like the Hackathon, the SEP brings together diverse expertise to tackle today’s challenges while building a greener tomorrow. Over its first year, the partnership has worked to regenerate the local economy, benefit communities, and create new green jobs and skills — cementing Coventry as a more sustainable place to work and live.

End

For media enquiries, contact:

Ellen Rolfe

ellen.rolfe@eon-uk.com

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