In October 2024, The Hidden Genius Project hosted its 4th annual Tech Slam UK.
This year’s event served students in London and Birmingham, in partnership with Chelsea FC Foundation, Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, Autodesk, and TEAM Inc.
OCTOBER 8 // CHELSEA FC
The Hidden Genius Project returned to Stamford Bridge for the fourth year to host Tech Slam UK. The event featured a dialogue with industry professionals, exploring career pathways in sports and technology. Immersive exhibits allowed participants to experience how tech influences sports through A.I., computer science, and material sciences. Hands-on, interactive coding activities and an introduction to tech-driven sports analytics offered attendees practical insights into the intersection of technology and sports.
OCTOBER 9 // TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FC
In partnership with the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, The Hidden Genius Project hosted Tech Slam UK for youth at Tottenham FC Stadium. The event featured conversations with industry professionals about career opportunities in sports and technology. Participants engaged with immersive exhibits on the role of technology in sports, exploring A.I., computer science, and material sciences. Hands-on coding workshops and an introduction to sports analytics provided attendees with a deeper understanding of how tech is transforming the sports industry.
OCTOBER 9 // AUTODESK, BIRMINGHAM
In partnership with Autodesk and TEAM Inc., The Hidden Genius Project hosted a design-focused workshop at Autodesk’s Birmingham location. The theme of the day explored how to make sporting events more accessible for everyone. Attendees participated in a design thinking session and hands-on activities using Fusion 360, Autodesk’s 3D modeling software. The day also included a tour of Autodesk’s shop floor, providing participants with a behind-the-scenes look at how technology is used to innovate and design products for a more inclusive world.
OCTOBER 11 // DAY OF THE GIRL
In celebration of International Day of the Girl, The Hidden Genius Project hosted a series of interactive workshops at Stamford Bridge for young women aged 12 to 15. The event, which focused on digital technology and wellbeing, aimed to enhance the young women’s confidence, values, and education. By addressing the challenges girls face and promoting empowerment, the event provided a supportive environment where participants could learn about technology and its potential to positively impact their futures.
Additionally, The Hidden Genius Project hosted youth-centered workshops at Brentford FC. Participants explored our Genius Lab online curriculum, introducing the fundamentals of coding and problem-solving. The event featured gaming workshops and a sports analytics workshop, where attendees learned how data and technology are revolutionizing the sports world, from performance tracking to strategy development. These sessions empowered youth with valuable skills in digital technology and sports, fostering both creativity and critical thinking while encouraging future careers in these growing fields.
Through our mission-aligned partnership, we introduced over 200+ young people to exciting technical and non-technical career pathways through hands-on and culturally relevant programming.
HISTORY OF TECH SLAM UK
Tech Slam originated through a partnership between The Hidden Genius Project and TEAM, Inc. in 2017. In October 2018, The Hidden Genius Project, Oakland Natives Give Back, and TEAM, Inc. joined forces to host the inaugural Tech Slam UK event at Stamford Bridge in partnership with Chelsea FC Foundation.
The following year in 2019, the team returned to London to host another Tech Slam UK activation and then continued to expose young people in Johannesburg to host inspiring workshops at Tech Slam South Africa in partnership with LEAP Science and Match Schools. To learn more about this activation, click HERE.
Watch video highlights from our inaugural international trip to London (2018) above.
”“We're delighted to be able to host and facilitate Tech Slam UK 2024 alongside [The Hidden Genius Project]. Schools that really look forward to this year upon year, they'll come to us asking when Tech Slam will be...it's something that everyone looks forward to on their calendars. It's a real opportunity to provide real-life learning and also engagement with real-life organizations...and get to see the hands on jobs opportunities and career opportunities that are out there within the Tech/STEM world that they won't necessarily get within a schools-based education."
Sam Mardle, Schools Education Manager, Chelsea FC
Special thanks to our partners and sponsors for helping to make this experience possible.
In a world full of opportunities in the technology sector, Tech Slam UK celebrates the immense potential of young people, particularly those from communities of color. These events serve as a platform to inspire participants to explore exciting career pathways in sports technology, both technical and non-technical, that are full of promise. Often, young sports enthusiasts face barriers that limit their aspirations. Tech Slam UK empowers them to dream big, embrace their unique strengths, and pursue success in the rapidly evolving world of sports technology.
For more information about our international sponsorship opportunities, please email [email protected]