Located in the heart of Bath, The Cork is the city’s longest-running private karaoke pod venue and the ultimate destination for students to belt out their favourite tunes - especially in times of stress. But for Team Bath Heart, a multidisciplinary competition team from the University (of which I am team lead), The Cork has become much more than just a nightlife hotspot – it’s a crucial part of our preparation strategy.

Team Bath Heart is currently developing a novel Total Artificial Heart (TAH) – a project that demands precision, innovation and countless hours of dedication. Leading up to the International Heart Hackathon competition in Japan in 2024, where teams from all over the world compete in their novel design of a TAH, we were determined to make our mark – not only in the competition but also as the best karaoke singers around. After all, karaoke is huge in Japan, practically a national pastime. From neon-lit city centres to cosy local bars, it’s woven into the social fabric, providing both a release and a means of bonding.

So, we took full advantage of Bath’s very own karaoke haven to prepare. The final weeks before the competition saw us buried in finalising our CAD (computer-aided design) renders, endless team meetings, and rehearsals with supervisors and external advisors. But once the laptops closed, it was time for some much-needed downtime at The Cork.

Our ritual was simple. After long days refining our presentation and fine-tuning our designs, we’d wrap up in the lab and reconvene at The Cork for a well-deserved break. Here, in a low-lit room, we tackled everything from Queen anthems to Spice Girls classics. We found that singing our hearts out not only helped us unwind but also strengthened our team spirit, making us even more formidable competitors.

When we got to Japan in November 2024, we had the bright idea of booking a karaoke booth to practice our presentation. These light-hearted final practices and team bonding moments are truly what set us apart. When it came to the competition, we didn’t just bring a groundbreaking wirelessly powered TAH – we brought the confidence of a harmonious group.

Not taking ourselves too seriously has been part of team building and a lovely experience, and The Cork played an integral role in this. As team lead, I couldn’t be prouder of the hours poured into our project. It was this balance of hard work and talent that fuelled our journey to Japan, where we were named the best in the world for the second year running.

The 2024 team has now handed over the mission to the next generation, who are gearing up for another big challenge in Vienna, Austria, in December 2025. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn @team_bath_heart to track our progress and visit www.teambathheart.co.uk to find out more about our project.

If you’re ever in Bath, don’t miss out on a night at The Cork. It’s more than just a karaoke bar, it’s a place where teams are built, and memories are made.