Biodiversity & Conservation Hackathon (UQSIC x UQCNE x 180DC)
🎟️ Tickets include meals, workshops, mentorship, and access to a prize pool ($$$)!
Join the hackathon where collaboration meets action for biodiversity and the planet! From August 15th – 17th, innovators from across SEQ and Australia will gather to hack one of humanity’s greatest challenges: biodiversity loss.
💡 What’s Happening?
This 42hour hackathon brings together students, professionals, and changemakers to hack biodiversity loss and design solutions that protect and regenerate ecosystems, reduce pollution and inspire sustainable lifestyles. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, and whatever your educational background may be, your skills are needed!
🌏 Action Areas
👥🛖 #Empower communities: inclusion, governance, justice, resilience
🧠📣 #Shift behaviour: regulations, individual action, financial systems, education, media
♻️🌫️ #Reduce pollution: greenhouse gases, fertiliser run-off, noise, light, microplastics, chemicals
🌳🌊 #Restore lands & waters: protection, rewilding, invasive species, reforestation
🌾⛏️ #Rethink production: farming, fishing, logging, mining, manufacturing, urban systems
🧠 What You’ll Get
✅ Expert mentorship from multidisciplinary industry leaders
✅ Access to pre-event & the 2.5-day Hackathon: 42h of focus
✅ All meals & snacks provided throughout the weekend
✅ A chance to win from the prize pool ($$$)
✅ Network with like-minded peers and industry professionals
🌟 Pre-Hackathon Prep
To help you hit the ground running, we’re hosting two exciting lead-up events (all covered in the initial cost):
📚 Introduction to the Problem Space (Webinar)
In the week leading up to the hackathon, join 2 live webinars with leading industry experts who will introduce the key issues and opportunities within the theme. This is your chance to explore the problem space early and begin thinking about your solution:
Prof Matthew Luskin, head of Ecological Cascades Lab and Wildlife Observatory of Australia [Monday 6-7pm, 11th August, ONLINE]
Prof Hugh Possingham FRS, Co-chief Councillor at Biodiversity Council, 35 papers in Science and Nature, former Queensland Chief Scientist [Tuesday 6-7pm, 12th August, ONLINE]
☕ Coffee & Cookies: Team Building + Networking Mixer
During the week of the hackathon, come meet other participants in a casual setting to build teams, share ideas, and connect over coffee and cookies. It’s the perfect way to kick off collaboration before the main event. [Thursday 5pm-8pm, 14th August, Hawken T203, The University of Queensland]
🌟 Who Can Join?
Anyone and everyone are welcome! Come make a difference and get your idea out in the world. No experience required. Whether you're a student, professional, or passionate about the planet, you're welcome. Participants from all over Australia are encouraged to attend (note: travel and accommodation not included).
🎫 Why Attend?
Biodiversity is in crisis, with over 1 million species at risk of extinction. This hackathon is your chance to be part of the solution. Come to learn, collaborate, and create real-world impact.