Hack the Gap
One day. One problem. Real solutions.
The gender pay gap costs women £7,572 a year and would add £55 billion to the UK economy if closed. The gap sits at 12.8% across all employees - and it's widening. Equal Pay Day 2025 falls on 22 November, the date from which women effectively work for free.
At current rates, it'll take 100 years to close.
We'd rather not wait that long.
That's why we're running Hack the Gap - a one-day hackathon for women using AI to bring ideas to life. Teams spend the day building data-driven tools that make the gender pay gap more visible - and more solvable. Part of Brazen festival, Bristol's flagship tech festival.
No prior coding experience required.
The Application:
Applications close 15th October. We'll review that week and let you know if you've got a place the week of 19th October.
The format:
Morning: teams form, pick their angle, plan their build
Afternoon: build, mentor support, mid-point check-in
Late afternoon: pitches, judging, prizes, drinks
Who's in the room:
40 women at all career stages across a wide range of industries. Senior mentors, domain experts, and a judging panel from advocacy, work tech and the sponsor community.
The rules:
Using real data, build something real and useable - not a concept note, not a coaching app. Show us the money.
Eligibility:
Based in the South West or Wales
Available for the whole day
Identify as a woman
No tech background needed. If you have ideas and want to build something real, you're in.
Who we are:
South West and Wales Women in AI and Data. A community for women working in AI and data across the South West and Wales. Since 2024, 11 events across Bristol - from casual coffees to lunch and learns with nearly 50 attendees. An engaged, active community ready to show up.
Workforce learning platform and organising partner. We've designed and run vibe-coding events across the UK -- from introductory workshops at Brazen festival to sector-specific hackathons in London and Wales. We know how to run a room.
Founded by Laura Gemmell, PhD in AI Education, previously PwC, Worldpay and Monzo. Rising Star, SETsquared Community Awards 2025. Best Use of AI, TechSpark Sparkies 2025.
Bristol law firm and co-organiser. Hosts and supporters of SW*AID since our first event in 2024.
Sources: ONS ASHE 2025, Fawcett Society