The Challenge
Biodiversity is the foundation of life on Earth. It is critical for food security, climate stability, and clean water, with annual ecosystem services valued higher than the global economy. Yet, biodiversity is in crisis: over 1 million species face extinction due to habitat destruction, pollution, and unsustainable practices. The World Economic Forum identifies biodiversity loss as humanity’s greatest threat after climate change.
This is a global challenge that demands bold ideas and action—and that’s where you come in.
What is a Hackathon?
A hackathon is an immersive 52-hour event designed to ignite creativity, collaboration, and innovation. It’s where you’ll brainstorm, prototype, and pitch solutions to real-world problems, all with the support of experienced mentors, engaging workshops, and a vibrant community of changemakers.
This is your chance to learn, create, and make a lasting impact—no matter your background or experience.
A Nation-Wide Call to Action
This year in late September or early October we’re bringing together 300+ participants from all across Australia to the University of Queensland for an unforgettable weekend. Together, we’ll create the world’s biggest biodiversity hackathon under one roof.
Whether you’re a student, young professional, or passionate innovator, this is your chance to tackle biodiversity challenges head-on and turn your ideas into reality.
For-Profit or Non-Profit? Both Win Here.
We value both for-profit and non-profit solutions equally. For-profit ideas will focus on validation from potential customers and investors, while non-profit solutions will be assessed on engagement from donors, foundations, and governments.
What’s Our Focus?
You will work a solution that fits within three key areas where innovation is urgently needed:
Land, Ocean & Resource Management
Protect ecosystems, stop invasive species, and manage resources sustainably.
Pollution
Address challenges like fertiliser runoff, emissions, and plastic waste with actionable solutions.
Lifestyle Change
Inspire shifts in culture and behaviours to live in harmony with nature.
Your Next Step
Click the link above to secure your spot and be part of the world’s biggest biodiversity hackathon under one roof. Let’s work together to create innovative solutions and a future where biodiversity flourishes.
This is your chance to make a difference. Will you take it?
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12. Can I come if I’m not from Brisbane?Absolutely! This is a nation-wide hackathon. We welcome participants from all states and regions. However, travel and accommodation are not included in the ticket price.
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2. Who can participate?Everyone aged 18 and above! Whether you’re a student, professional, or just passionate about biodiversity, we welcome all skill levels and disciplines—no experience required.
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7. What kind of support will I get?You’ll have access to: Leading experts in biodiversity, entrepreneurship, non-profits, and innovation who will mentor you. Pre-hackathon online workshops on challenges to biodiversity and conservation. In-hackathon workshops on ideation, validation, and pitching. Meals, snacks and drinks for the whole length of the hackathon to keep your brain nourished and energised.
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5. What are the subtopics of the hackathon?The hackathon focuses on three critical aspects of biodiversity and conservation: Land, Ocean & Resource Management Pollution Lifestyle Change
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11. What does my ticket include?Your ticket covers: Access to all workshops (online before the event and during the hackathon), mentorship sessions, and hackathon activities. Meals, snacks, and drinks throughout the weekend. Opportunity to network with industry experts and like-minded peers. Chance to win a prize from the $10,000 prize pool
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6. Why the topic of sustainability and conservation? Can I hear more facts and numbers?Ecosystem Services Value: The global value of ecosystem services is estimated to be $125–145 trillion per year, exceeding the world’s annual GDP (Costanza et al., 2014). Biodiversity Loss Globally: Over 1 million species are at risk of extinction due to human activity (IPBES, 2019). Global wildlife populations have declined by an average of 69% since 1970 (WWF Living Planet Report, 2022). Habitat Loss: More than 75% of Earth’s land area has been significantly altered by human activities (WWF, 2022). Global Risk Ranking: The World Economic Forum ranks biodiversity loss as the second-biggest threat to humanity, after climate change (WEF, 2023). Mammal Extinctions in Australia: Australia has lost at least 34 mammal species since European settlement, the highest number globally (NESP Threatened Species Hub). Australia’s mammal extinction rate is approximately 10% of its native terrestrial mammal species.
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1. What is a hackathon?An immersive 52-hour challenge designed to empower you with the tools and mindset to drive positive change. The challenge offers you a unique opportunity to refine your innovative ideas, transforming them from conceptual sparks into viable projects. With the guidance of experienced mentors, access to valuable resources, and workshops on ideation, validation, and effective pitching, you will be equipped with the skills necessary to bring your vision to life. This event is not just about learning; it’s about inspiring action and encouraging you to take that crucial first step towards making a tangible impact. This is where bright minds bring bright ideas to life.
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9. What are the prizes?The winning teams will receive prizes from the $10,000+ cash pool and opportunity to develop their business or nonprofit model further in UQ Ventures’ programmes and accelerators.
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10. Where and when is the event?Location: The University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus, Brisbane Dates: TBA - it will be a whole weekend from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon in late September or early October Duration: 52 hours - don’t forget to sleep and eat though!
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8. What are the rules and judging criteria?The rules are simple: During the two and a half days you find solutions to problems faced in biodiversity and conservation while considering the impacts. Then you further validate the solutions into a business or nonprofit idea and pitch to our judges. We’ll have a judging panel which strikes a balance between biodiversity research, nonprofit and business. The pitch will be evaluated by the severity of the tackled problem, feasibility and impact of the solution, validation and presentation.
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3. Do I need a team to participate?No! Everyone registers as an individual, and we’ll help you form a team at the event. One of the things that make a hackathon such a valuable and fun experience are the new connections you will craft! The new connectionsIf you already have a team, great!
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4. What should I bring?Bring your laptop, charger, pens, markers and lots of energy! We’ll provide food, Wi-Fi, and all other resources you’ll need for the event. If you stay at an accommodation or homestay for the nights, pack any personal essentials of course!