Get ready for HackAIthon

Learn more about what to expect at a hackathon, book pre-hackathon workshops and access resources to help you make the most of HackAIthon.

About hackathons

A hackathon is a fun, fast-paced event where people come together to solve problems, share ideas, and build creative solutions, often over a short period like a day or a weekend. You don’t need to be a tech expert to take part. Hackathons welcome designers, researchers, storytellers, and anyone with a great idea.

Participants work in teams to learn new skills and turn ideas into tangible outcomes, such as digital tools, prototypes, services, or new ways of thinking. The focus is on experimentation, creativity, and making a positive impact.

What to expect at HackAIthon

During HackAIthon, you’ll work on real-world challenges that either harness the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) or help manage its risks. In teams of 3 to 5 students, you’ll develop a solution aligned with at least one HackAIthon theme.

Over the HackAIthon weekend, you will:

  • attend introductory and training sessions
  • take part in games and activities to meet other participants
  • join at least one mentoring session
  • hack and work on your ideas with your team
  • submit your team presentation for a chance to win great prizes.

If you purchase a hack-pack ticket at registration, you will also get exclusive merch and enjoy delicious meals and snacks during the event.

Check the full event schedule

Pre-hackathon sessions and workshops

There will be several free events held before the hackathon to give you an insight into the themes and to help you prepare. Attendance at these events is highly recommended for those registered for HackAIthon but are open for anyone to join.

The sessions will help you get a head start creating your solution, meet other participants and join team building activities.

Webinars on each theme

Themed webinars will be held from 6 to 7pm on Tuesday 3, Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 March. 

The webinar booking links will be made available here soon.

The webinars will:

  • be presented by guest speakers from across UQ
  • provide background and insights on the themes
  • give you a chance to ask questions and meet participants interested in the same themes as you
  • help you understand the problem to develop your solution.

Workshops

If you’re interested in coding, creating web apps or using AI to create your solution, these workshops are highly recommended.

All the online sessions will be recorded and made available.

Mastering prompt engineering

Book the online session (UQ login required, opens in a new tab) - 10 to 11am Monday 9 March

How to communicate effectively with Large Language Models (LLMs) to get higher quality, more accurate responses. Learn simple effective strategies and master the art of prompt engineering.

Introduction to AI-assisted coding

Book the online session (UQ login required, opens in a new tab) - 11am to 12pm Tuesday 10 March

Learn how to efficiently and safely use AI-assisted coding tools.

Creating and publishing web-apps

Book the online session (UQ login required, opens in a new tab) - 1 to 2pm Thursday 12 March

Learn about frameworks and tools to create and publish web applications.

This session will also be held in-person from 1 to 2pm Saturday 14 March during the HackAIthon.

Resources to help you prepare

Hackathon tips and tricks

This video playlist from the NASA Space Apps Challenge has tips on teamwork, prototyping, navigating challenges and more.

Working in a team

UQ student support has tips on working successfully in groups.

AI tools

You are welcome to use AI in your process but remember that you cannot upload licensed or copyright-protected materials into AI tools. Check legal, ethical and social issues with AI for more information.

Sources of data

What to bring to HackAIthon

Essentials

We suggest you bring the following:

  • Any tech you require (e.g. laptop and charger, headphones, mouse and mousepad, keyboard, adaptors, USB drives, phone and charger).   
  • Your UQ Student ID card is essential if you require after-hours access to the library.  
  • A water bottle. You can refill your water bottles in the kitchen.  For sustainability, we won’t provide bottles of water.

Recommended

  • Snacks and drinks to help you keep going. There’s a kitchen on Level 2 of Central Library with a fridge, microwaves, vending machines and access to hot and cold filtered water.
  • Comfortable clothing and shoes.
  • Any data or resources you’ve downloaded.
  • Pens, paper, highlighters, post-it notes.
  • Anything you need to collaborate and share ideas. 

What we will provide

  • Hack-pack ticket holders will get main meals (lunch and dinner) and some healthy snacks.  Check the event schedule for when meals will be provided.
  • Staff will be available to support you during the event. 
  • Pens and paper for collaboration and brainstorming. 
  • Hacking and collaborating space.
  • Good vibes!
  • Access to toilets and lifts.

Venues open at St Lucia on the event weekend