Industry Hackathon: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Join us for a hands-on industry hackathon where students from all disciplines will work together to explore real-world challenges connected to Sustainable Cities and Communities.

In collaboration with Dassault Systèmes, Education Experience and Employability and facilitated by Design Factory Melbourne, this event gives students the opportunity to collaborate in teams, apply creative problem-solving, and pitch ideas that could make a positive impact on people, industry and the planet.

You do not need to have a fully formed idea or technical background to participate. This hackathon is designed for students who are curious, creative, practical, strategic, analytical, entrepreneurial or simply interested in learning how to solve problems with others.

Why join

• Walk away with fresh ideas, new connections, industry feedback, and a real experience to add to your CV.

• In just one day, you’ll work with students from different disciplines to solve a real-world challenge and pitch your team's idea.

• You’ll build practical innovation and networking skills, meet industry representatives and explore future opportunities such as follow-up career session with Dassault Systèmes.

• Win your share of $2000+ worth of prizes.

• Refreshments will be provided throughout the day.

What to expect

Across the day, you will:

• Explore an industry challenge connected to sustainable cities and communities.

• Work in a team to develop an idea or solution.

• Learn how different thinking styles can contribute to innovation.

• Use human-centred and creative problem-solving tools.

• Receive support and guidance throughout the day.

• Pitch your team’s idea to a judging panel.

• Connect with students, industry representatives and the Swinburne Innovation Studio community.

Who should attend

This event is open to Swinburne students from all disciplines and study levels.

You might be studying design, business, engineering, technology, health, social sciences, media, law, sustainability, education or something completely different. Innovation needs different perspectives, and this event is about bringing those perspectives together.

Finding your role in the team

As part of the application process, we’ll ask you a few light questions about your personality and working style. These questions will help you better understand your strengths and find a team role that suits you on the day.

Prizes:

• 1st Prize: $300 per person

• 2nd Prize: $100 per person

• People’s Choice: $50 per person

Key dates:

• Applications open: Friday, 17 July 2026

• Information session: Wednesday 2 September 2026 (12pm-1pm)

• Applications close: Monday, 7 September 2026

• Successful applicants notified: Wednesday, 9 September 2026

• Hackathon: Wednesday, 16 September 2026

About Dassault Systèmes

• Dassault Systèmes is a global technology company that helps businesses and governments imagine, design and improve products, processes and experiences.

• Innovation should create positive impact for people, industry and the planet.

• Virtual twins and collaborative innovation can help organisations make better decisions before implementing solutions in the real world.

• Technology alone is not enough; complex challenges require creativity, multidisciplinary thinking and human-centred problem solving.

• Many global challenges require collaboration across industries and professions, not just technical expertise.

Event details

• Date: Wednesday,16 September 2026

• Time: 8.30am – 5.30pm

• Location: Swinburne Hawthorn campus (The exact location will be provided to successful applicants.)

What to bring

Please bring your laptop, charger, water bottle and an open mind.

No prior hackathon experience is required.