Future Cities, Future Work, Future Energy
Program Details
Throughout the program, you'll develop practical solutions, explore emerging technologies, expand your network, strengthen friendships, and compete for exciting prizes.
The program includes:
- Skill development workshops with hands-on sessions designed to build capabilities aligned with the Hackathon themes.
- Industry networking opportunities to connect with professionals, mentors and fellow students.
- Challenge development support, providing guidance as teams design and refine innovative solutions.
Participants who successfully complete the program will also be eligible to receive a Melbourne Plus verified digital credential in Sustainability Advocacy. Melbourne Plus provides opportunities to develop your skills beyond the classroom, connect with the University community, and gain recognition for experiences that enhance your employability.
How to Participate
1. Check your eligibility
The 2026 Hackathon Festival is open to all current postgraduate students* in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, including students studying the following:
- Master of Engineering (suite of programs)
- Master of Engineering Management
- Master of Information Systems
- Master of Information Technology
- Master of Energy Systems
- Master of Computer Science
*Participants are required to be enrolled in at least one subject in Semester 2, 2026 to be eligible to compete.
2. Form a team
- Teams must consist of 3 to 5 students.
- Each team is encouraged to have students from different disciplines to promote a multidisciplinary approach.
- You are welcome to register with a team. If you don’t have one, the Faculty will help you connect with other students to form a team.
3. Register
Key Sponsor
Airwallex is the major sponsor of the 2026 FEIT Hackathon Festival, marking this their fourth consecutive year of sponsorship. This consistent support highlights their role as a strategic industry partner of the University of Melbourne's Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology.
Partners
Cremorne Digital Hub
Cremorne Digital Hub is a platform connecting Victoria's industry, innovators, and universities to further build our local startup ecosystem.
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Boab.Ai
We work with governments, universities, and corporations to design and deliver AI adoption and venture programs that lift productivity and build workforce capability.
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RPM Hire
We offer a wide range of high-quality traffic management equipment for hire, tailored to meet the needs of various industries, projects, and events.
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Untapped Talent
We partner with organisations passionate about Untapped innovation, productivity and wellness. Together we build high-performing teams, create technology solutions and drive products.
Visit WebsiteStudent FAQ
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The 2026 festival will take place in person over three days at the University of Melbourne's Parkville campus (exact room locations will be provided closer to the event). Activities include:
- Skill development workshops, with hands-on sessions aimed at enhancing participants' capabilities relevant to the competition themes.
- Industry networking opportunities, providing a chance to connect with professionals, mentors, and peers in the field.
- Challenge response development, with support and guidance to help teams craft solutions to the provided challenges.
By joining the FEIT Hackathon Festival, you’ll have the chance to build your professional network and career opportunities; be exposed to new tools and technologies; meet your peers and develop friendships; apply your theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges and win great prizes.
You will also be eligible to gain a Melbourne Plus verified digital credential for your capability in Sustainability Advocacy. Melbourne Plus provides a gateway for you to find opportunities to engage in activities outs of the classroom. Connect with others, build your capabilities and contribute to the University and broader community.
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1. Check your eligibility
The 2026 Hackathon Festival is open to all current postgraduate students* in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, including students studying the following:
- Master of Engineering (suite of programs)
- Master of Engineering Management
- Master of Information Systems
- Master of Information Technology
- Master of Energy Systems
- Master of Computer Science
*Participants are required to be enrolled in at least one subject in Semester 2, 2026 to be eligible to compete.
2. Form a team
- Teams must consist of 3 to 5 students.
- Each team is encouraged to have students from different disciplines to promote a multidisciplinary approach.
- You are welcome to register with a team. If you don’t have one, the Faculty will help you connect with other students to form a team.
2. Register to compete
Registrations for the 2026 FEIT Hackathon Festival will open on 28 July 2026.
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There are no specific technical requirements. Students from all engineering and IT backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Whether you're into coding, design, data, business analysis, or project management there’s a role for you on a team.
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Not at all. The FEIT Hackathon Festival is designed to be inclusive and supportive for both beginners and experienced participants. There will be workshops, mentoring, and team support to help you develop skills and contribute meaningfully, whether it’s your first hackathon or your fifth.
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Yes. While students are encouraged to apply with a team of 3–5, individual applicants are welcome. We'll match you with other participants to create a diverse, multidisciplinary team.
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The 2026 theme is Future Cities / Future Work / Future Energy.
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You’ll have access to mentors from industry and academia who can help guide your team. There will also be staff on hand to support with logistics, tools, and technical questions.
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The event runs across three full days, from Monday 29 September to Wednesday 1 October 2026. Each day will include workshops, collaboration time, and networking activities.
A detailed schedule will be provided closer to the date. -
A panel of industry and academic judges will assess final pitches based on innovation, feasibility, impact, teamwork, and alignment with the challenge theme.
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Monetary prizes will be awarded to the first 3 teams.
Plus: Spot prizes throughout the event!
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Partners and sponsors for the 2026 FEIT Hackathon Festival:
- Key Sponsor - Airwallex
- Partners - Cremorne Digital Hub, Boab.Ai, RPM Hire and Untapped Talent
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Yes! All participants will be provided with food and refreshments throughout the event. You’ll be well-fuelled for brainstorming, coding, and collaborating. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements when registering.
Industry Information
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The FEIT flagship event Hackathon Festival will bring together postgraduate University of Melbourne engineering and information technology students to develop innovative solutions to industry challenges.
The Hackathon Festival will harness and leverage the innovation ecosystem at the University and provide students with the opportunity to build skills and enhance their networks.
The Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology invites University colleagues, tenants and industry partners an opportunity to be involved with this flagship event.
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Postgraduate students from the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, including
* Master of Engineering (suite of programs) including Master of Engineering Management students
* Master of Information Systems
* Master of Information Technology
* Master of Energy Systems
* Master of Computer Science
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* Connect with our students – build brand affinity and promote your organisations employment opportunities
* Hackathons encourage the generation of fresh ideas for products, services, or solutions, and can accelerate the process of rapid prototyping and innovation.
* Mentor and engage with the next generation of STEM leaders.
* Strengthen your engagement with the University community and our industry partners.
* Leverage this activity to provide professional development opportunities for your graduate or junior staff.
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Propose a challenge or problem statement
Get solutions to your sustainability challenges. Provide a problem statement for students to address within the Festival. The challenges should align with the Hackathon theme.
Provide sustainable merchandise
Enhance your brand identify amongst the students. Provide environmentally friendly branded merchandise, such as t-shirts, hats, pens or bags.
Propose a technology you would like students to use to solve a problem
Get your technology in front of early adopters. Provide access to technology for students to use to solve challenges or couple a piece of technology to a challenge
Host a drop in session
Help students reach their potential. Meet with groups of students and check in to see how they are progressing. This is an opportunity to offer your expert advice regarding approaching problem statements and solution design.
Host a branded lunch, morning or afternoon tea*
Network with students participating in the Hackathon. The session will be branded, and it will provide your organisation with the opportunity to meet the students over refreshments.
Participate as a mentor
Join us on the journey. Support and guide student teams throughout the competition. It’s a valuable opportunity to connect with the next generation of talent, share your expertise, and make a lasting impact. Mentor student groups throughout the competition. This is a great way to engage with the student cohort and identify talent.
Provide a prize
Support a branded student award within the Festival. This could include team or individual prizes, or spot prizes to encourage engagement and momentum throughout the three day program.
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Students participate in the Hackathon Festival to:
* Develop their skills
* Network
* Problem-solving and teamwork
* Experiential learning
* Meet their peers
* Personal growth
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If you are interested in contributing to the FEIT Hackathon Festival, please reach out to:
Milly Jamini
Senior Student Internship Officer , Student Experience Team
Enkhzaya Adiya
Manager, Internships & Projects
Student Experience Team
