about this event
DSCubed and RAID are coming together to host their flagship AI Hackathon open to all students! We've all heard the buzz around AI, but how does it actually translate into the real world and real businesses?
Forward is a 48-hour hackathon focused specifically on applying AI in a business setting. Bring your ideas, form a team, and tackle real-world challenges across multiple tracks.
What to Expect: Experienced mentors on hand to support you throughout the hackathon; External judges from academia and industry; $3,000 prize pool across overall and track prizes; A chance to meet, build, and collaborate with other students interested in AI; Real-world business focused tracks designed around practical applications of AI; Potential internship and job opportunities at Eleno.
Hackathon Timeline - OPENING NIGHT: Thursday 10 September, 5:30–7:30pm. Kick off Forward with a keynote from Eleno, an AI workshop, and the opportunity to meet other participants and find your team. 48-HOUR HACKATHON BEGINS: Saturday 12 September at 12pm. The challenge tracks are revealed and building begins. Throughout the hackathon, you'll have access to coworking spaces, mentors, and support to help bring your project to life. SUBMISSIONS CLOSE: Monday 14 September at 12pm. The 48 hours are up. Finalise and submit your project for judging. FINALISTS ANNOUNCED: Monday 14 September at 4pm. The top teams will be selected to pitch their projects live at Closing Night. CLOSING NIGHT: Monday 14 September, 5:30–8:30pm. Finalists pitch to a panel of judges from academia and industry, followed by the announcement of the winners and $3,000 in prizes.
Prizes: 1st Prize $2,000, 2nd Prize $500, 3rd Prize $200, Track 1 $100, Track 2 $100, Track 3 $100.
Eligibility: Open to teams of 2–5 people. At least one team member must be a current university student (doesn't have to be from Unimelb). Must be able to attend in person for finalists to receive prizes. Free entry. More details about the hackathon released on opening night!
Proudly Sponsored by Eleno - Eleno is a software development company focused on AI & Automation based in Melbourne. Eleno works with clientele from all industries; including Real Estate, Private Credit, Financial Services & Victorian Government PPP's. Eleno has a projects & ventures arm to the business, allowing us to build both for our clients and also work on the hardest problems we find in those industries.
when
Opening Night
Kick off Forward with a keynote from Eleno, an AI workshop, and the opportunity to meet other participants and find your team.
◍ University of MelbourneHackathon Begins
The challenge tracks are revealed and building begins. Throughout the hackathon, you'll have access to coworking spaces, mentors, and support to help bring your project to life.
◍ University of MelbourneSubmissions Close
The 48 hours are up. Finalise and submit your project for judging.
◍ University of MelbourneFinalists Announced
The top teams will be selected to pitch their projects live at Closing Night.
◍ University of MelbourneClosing Night
Finalists pitch to a panel of judges from academia and industry, followed by the announcement of the winners and $3,000 in prizes.
◍ University of Melbournetickets
| tickets | price | Fee | Status | description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Entry | $0 | TBA | Available | Free entry for teams of 2–5 people. At least one team member must be a current university student. |
prizes
| # | PRIZE | price |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Prize | Overall Winner | $2,000 |
| 2nd Prize | Runner-up | $500 |
| 3rd Prize | Third Place | $200 |
| Track 1 | Track Winner | $100 |
| Track 2 | Track Winner | $100 |
| Track 3 | Track Winner | $100 |