Open Source Hackathon promotes Aussie tech talent

Canberra-based open source software company Instaclustr will host an Open Source Hackathon from 22–26 November, in collaboration with the University of Canberra and Canberra Innovation Network, where teams come up with innovative ideas and win up to $10,000. Free to participate in, the Open Source Hackathon, which will be held virtually, is a competition for young diverse innovators and budding technology-minded individuals to collaborate over a week while attending workshops to develop, build and pitch innovative ideas.

Instaclustr and its partners are seeking teams to innovate with actionable, impactful ideas to compete for seed capital, exposure, access to expert mentoring and the Canberra Innovation Network coworking space. The hackathon is suitable for a host of inventions, business models, new or adapted technologies, policy innovations and more. The five-day event will feature a set of keynotes from industry and academy experts, workshops, and mentoring sessions to help conceptualise and evolve ideas.

The hackathon will also feature two challenge streams for teams to compete in. Teams can attempt to launch a high-growth business by coming up with a technology-based solution to form the foundations of a high-growth, high-impact company. Alternatively, teams can come up with a novel way to address their city or region’s biggest ‘wicked problems’ through innovations. Teams must consist of three to five individuals who are available to attend various mandatory sessions on Monday 22, Wednesday 24 and Friday 26 November.

The hackathon builds upon Instaclustr’s commitment to developing and nurturing young, local IT and technology talent, and follows its earlier announcement with the University of Canberra to boost open-source software training, certification, research and development in May 2021.

“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,” said Peter Lilley, Instaclustr CEO.

Milica Symul, Director of Research and Innovation at the University of Canberra, said events like the Open Source Hackathon are just one example of how technology and innovation presents great opportunities and a chance to drive impact and change the world. “We are committed to not only bridging the technology skills gap in Australia; we’re also determined to seek out the talent and amazing minds that exist in Australia,” Symul said.

Petr Adamek, CEO of the Canberra Innovation Network, said working with Instaclustr and the University of Canberra reflects the 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,” Adamek said.

To access the competition schedule and information on prizing, and to register online, teams should visit the event website.

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