Westpac Hackathon 2026
16-17 November 2026 | St Lucia Campus
Join us for the Westpac Hackathon 2026, an exciting collaboration between the Westpac Gold Coast Engineering Hub and universities in Queensland.
2026 Theme: AI and what it means for banking?
We are challenging participants to build innovative solutions that explore how AI could reshape the way customers interact with their bank and how banks deliver products and services. Think AI-powered financial coaching, intelligent customer service, autonomous banking agents and personalised experiences.
This is an open challenge with no prescribed solution. Think big, experiment, and show us how AI can make banking simpler, smarter, safer and more intuitive.
Important dates
- RSVP Deadline: 6 November 2026
- Hackathon: 16–17 November 2026, 10am–3pm
- Awards Ceremony: 20 November 2026, Westpac Gold Coast Engineering Hub
Please download the Westpac Hackathon Handbook here:
Westpac Hackathon Handbook (PDF, 430.8 KB)
How it works
Working in teams, you will develop a functional prototype or application that explores how AI could improve the banking experience.
The hackathon will be held in person at UQ St Lucia.
Westpac engineers and IT professionals will be there on both days to mentor teams, answer questions and help validate ideas.
Judging Criteria
- Innovation – 25%
- Technical Excellence – 10%
- Creativity – 25%
- Feasibility – 20%
- Impact – 20% Hackathon Handbook 2026 - UQ
Prizes
- First place: $2,500 for best idea and solution
- Second place: $1,000 for creativity and innovation
- People’s Choice: Prize pack