The first hackathon of the year: Innovating water solutions with Seqwater
Hackathons like the UQ Innovation and Entrepreneurship Society (UQIES) and UQ Ventures Sustainability and Innovation Challenge (SIC) are high-energy, fast-paced experiences where creativity meets problem-solving.
The Hackathon, hosted in collaboration with Seqwater, UQIES and Ventures, is the first hackathon of the year and an exciting opportunity for university students, researchers, and innovators to tackle some of the most pressing water challenges facing South East Queensland (SEQ).
With over 3.7 million people relying on the SEQ Water Grid, which consists of over 600km of pipelines, 25 dams, 32 conventional water treatment plants, 3 advanced water treatment plants, and a desalination plant, ensuring a sustainable and resilient water supply has never been more critical.
Participants will also have the chance to win $10,000 in prize money, adding an exciting incentive to innovate and create impactful solutions.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Develop novel solutions for water conservation, ecosystem restoration, and emission reduction.
- Leverage data, technology, and engineering to address real-world problems.
- Work alongside industry experts, mentors, and Seqwater professionals to refine their ideas.
- Compete for prizes, including $X in prize money, and potential implementation opportunities, bringing concepts from ideation to real-world impact.
A Commitment to innovation and community impact
Seqwater’s sponsorship of this hackathon is part of a broader commitment to fostering positive change. Alongside initiatives like EcoMarines and Farm Angels Queensland, this event aligns with Seqwater’s mission to support projects that benefit local communities and drive lasting improvements in water sustainability.
Through this hackathon, Seqwater is not just looking for solutions—it’s investing in the next generation of thinkers, problem solvers, and environmental stewards who will shape the future of water management in Australia.
Join the challenge
As we gear up for this year’s event, we caught up with some of last year’s winning participants to share their top tips for this year’s contestants.
Lincoln, a past SIC Hackathon winner, emphasises teamwork:
"Teamwork is everything. Our success stemmed from great communication—assigning tasks, checking in on each other, and always working toward our collective goal."Juliette adds, "Don’t be afraid to join a team with people you’ve never worked with before. The diversity of thought and fresh perspectives can lead to unexpected solutions."
Juliette shares her top presentation tip:
"Be bold in your ideas, but keep your presentation simple and easy to understand. The more complex it is, the harder it will be to convey your message clearly. Use minimal slides and aim to memorise your presentation for a polished delivery."
3. Create a prototype if you can
Sam from DentalDispense offers practical advice:
"If you can, build a prototype! Even if it’s basic, it shows commitment and sets you apart. Judges love seeing tangible progress."
4. Enjoy the journey
"Enjoy the weekend, think freely, have fun with your team, and work hard," says Lincoln. "The rest will take care of itself."
Get ready to make an impact with SIC, UQIES, and Ventures.
The UQIES and UQ Ventures SIC Hackathon is an unforgettable experience—an opportunity to learn, collaborate, and build solutions that matter. Take the advice of past winners to heart and make the most of every moment.