The Department of Engineering welcomed its students to Minivation Fest, a two-day event held in the Millennium Point building. Find out what went on and why it’s important for students building a career.
What is Minivation Fest?
Minivation Fest is a celebration of innovation and collaboration and acts as a lead-in to BCU’s wider Innovation Festival, a larger showcase of student project work from across the School of Architecture, Built Environment, Computing and Engineering (ABCE).
The festival provides students with opportunities to present their work, engage with industry professionals and gain insight into real-world engineering challenges. It also offers industry partners a chance to explore fresh ideas, connect with emerging talent and collaborate with the University.
Key highlights
Minivation Fest typically features a varied programme, including:
- Interactive workshops delivered by industry partners
- Student project showcases and competitions
- Networking opportunities with employers and professionals from across the engineering sector
- Talks and discussions exploring current and future themes in engineering and innovation
Outstanding student work presented at Minivation Fest may also be selected to feature in the wider Innovation Festival.
Engineering student, Ayodeji, said: “Minivation Fest was a fantastic opportunity to display my project and receive valuable feedback. It was also inspiring to hear from key players in the industry and gain insights into the latest innovations. The event was incredibly exciting and well thought out, making it a truly memorable experience.”
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Why should students attend Minivation Fest?
Minivation Fest plays a key role in supporting students’ professional development and employability. It acts as a gateway between academia and industry, helping students build confidence, gain feedback on their work and develop valuable connections with potential employers.
The festival benefits students by offering:
- Industry insight: Opportunities to receive feedback from professionals and understand current industry expectations
- Skill development: Competitions, presentations and workshops that help refine technical and professional skills
- Collaboration: Exposure to research projects and potential collaborations with industry and academic specialists
- Career opportunities: Direct engagement with employers interested in placements, graduate roles and future partnerships
Building futures together
Minivation Fest reflects the Department of Engineering’s commitment to embedding employability, innovation and collaboration throughout its courses. By bringing students and industry together in a supportive, professional environment, the festival bridges the gap between study and employment, offering students insight, inspiration and opportunity while enabling industry partners to engage with the next generation of engineering talent and support students as they prepare for exciting and impactful careers.
Professor of Engineering (Product Design), Islah Ali-MacLachlan, said: "Minivation Fest was a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase the talent and creativity of our students while giving industry partners a hands-on experience of our courses. Every Engineering student had the chance to connect with potential future employers, engage in employability workshops like interview techniques, and gain real insight into industry expectations. Companies also collaborated closely with BCU staff to embed employability into every module. At the College of Engineering, we are not just preparing students for the future—we are building it together."
Overall, Minivation Fest is a fantastic opportunity for both students and industry partners, giving both insight into each other’s worlds, but predominantly paving the way for students to go on to have exciting careers with impressive companies.