A small open cardboard box sits on an open book, a brain and idea icons burst out with dotted arrows and paper planes in front of a chalkboard reading “Think outside the box”.

HackAIthon for UQ students, 13 to 15 March 2026

Work in teams to tackle real-world challenges with AI and compete for great prizes!

About HackAIthon - learn, create and make an impact

We have partnered with the UQ Sustainable Innovators Club (UQSIC) for HackAIthon to give UQ students an opportunity to work in teams to tackle real-world challenges to harness the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) or address its risks.

Join HackAIthon to meet new people, learn from mentors, build new skills and have a chance to win amazing prizes.

  • When: 5pm, Friday 13 March to 5:30pm, Sunday 15 March 2026.
  • Where to meet: the purple stairs on Level 1, Central Library.

We’ll use Slack during the hackathon for updates, questions and help with issues.

Get more details about the event in the following sections.

During the hackathon

Event schedule

Check the full schedule of activities planned for each day of HackAIthon.

Themes and challenges

Work with your team to develop a creative solution for one or more challenges aligned to our key themes.

Book a mentor session

From 13 March 2026, you can book a session with our expert mentors to help you develop and refine your solution.

Submit your presentation

You and your team will submit a 3-minute presentation for judging at the end of the HackAIthon.

Meet our judges

Our judging panel of leading academics and industry professionals will select the winners.

Support and wellbeing

Event staff will be available to support you and your team during the event.
Three students studying at a desk.

Prizes

HackAIthon prizes for winning teams:

  • 1st Place: A$2,500
  • 2nd Place: A$1,500
  • 3rd Place: A$1,000

Plus 2 bonus prizes of A$500.

Read more about the prizes

Event information and guidelines

Get ready

What to expect at the hackathon, explore the pre-hackathon workshops, and access key resources.

Event rules and guidelines

Review the event guidelines and the terms and conditions for participating in HackAIthon.

About the UQ Sustainable Innovators Club

UQ Sustainable Innovators Club (UQSIC) are our partners for HackAIthon. UQSIC bring together students from diverse backgrounds to turn fresh ideas into impact.

The club runs a range of activities, including:

  • a food forest and vertical farming station
  • hackathons and panel discussions on topics such as the circular economy, water, climate policy and biodiversity
  • opportunities to connect with body, nature and community through yoga and food grown in our gardens.

UQSIC provide space to build sought-after skills, seize opportunities, and co-create sustainable projects on campus and beyond. They’re driven by the urgent challenges facing our planetary home—and the opportunity to create something better, together.

Connect with UQSIC

Join the club or find out more about their activities: