15 November 2021: Those excited by innovation, entrepreneurship and using open-source software have the opportunity to come up with a novel way to address some of Canberra and the region’s biggest issues through an OpenSource Hackathon this month.
Held by the University of Canberra, in collaboration with the Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN) and software company Instaclustr, teams of three to six will compete for $10,000 in prize money by coming up with innovative ideas using open-source technology while being guided by industry experts.
Hackathons have gained immense popularity as an opportunity to bring diverse teams together, who work within a short timeframe or sprint to build solutions that could potentially solve real world problems.
As well as coming up with solutions for issues in Canberra, another challenge stream of the competition centres around launching a high-growth business focussed on creating a unique tech solution with huge market potential.
Director of Research and Innovation at the University, Dr Milica Symul said that the competition will spotlight the exciting work around innovation in Canberra, and the ideas that come out of this competition have a real chance to be impactful and drive change.
“The University is thrilled to collaborate on the OpenSource Hackathon with the Canberra Innovation Network and Instaclustr. Events like this highlight how technology and innovation can contribute – and I look forward to seeing what ideas come out of the competition,” Dr Symul said.
CEO of CBRIN, Petr Adámek, said Canberra has an important role in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.
“Working with home-grown open-source leader Instaclustr, along with the University of Canberra, reflects our great city’s ongoing role in building local talent and spearheading innovation. With this virtual event, we are also determined to see Australians from across the country bring the best and brightest ideas to the table, reflecting Australia’s growing role as an incubator of talent and innovation.”
Instaclustr CEO, Peter Lilley, said this competition builds on the partnership with the University of Canberra established earlier this year.
“We’re excited to continue our partnership with the University of Canberra, as well as join forces with the Canberra Innovation Network in an event that celebrates innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit that defines the emerging, potential talent we know is so present in Australia.”
Free registration for the competition is now open. More information available here.
WHAT: OpenSource Hackathon
WHEN: November 22-26, 2021
WHERE: Held virtually, register here.