UoM Engineering & IT Innovation Competition 2026
A cross-disciplinary innovation challenge bringing together students, recent graduates, and early-stage builders to turn bold ideas into practical solutions.
Hosted by the University of Melbourne FEIT
Delivered by Innovate Connect Alliance
Community supporters
Key information
Competition registration deadline
11:59 PM, 10 April 2026
Format
Open to individuals and teams
Team formation support
Available through the Team-Up Info Session
Final Day
Live pitches, judges, networking, and showcase
Overview
A cross-disciplinary challenge built for practical ideas
This competition brings together students, recent graduates, and early-stage builders to develop practical ideas with real-world relevance across technology and innovation.
Who should join
Students across Australia
Recent graduates
Early-stage innovators
Aspiring founders and builders
Cross-disciplinary problem-solvers
Participation format
Open to both individuals and teams
Cross-disciplinary teams are strongly encouraged
Team formation support will be provided during the Team-Up Info Session
Target team size: 4–6 participants
Challenge themes
Four areas for bold and relevant ideas
AI
Explore applied AI solutions with real-world value across industries and user scenarios.
Sustainability
Develop ideas that support environmental responsibility, efficient systems, and long-term impact.
Infrastructure
Rethink how technology can improve the systems, services, and spaces that support modern life.
Emerging Technologies
Experiment with forward-looking technologies and bold concepts with future potential.
Highlights
Why this competition is worth joining
A clear competition journey, strong institutional positioning, and a practical format designed for collaboration, visibility, and real momentum.
Practical innovation challenge
Work on ideas with real-world relevance in a format that encourages building, testing, and clear communication.
Cross-disciplinary collaboration
Apply solo or as a team, and connect with participants from different backgrounds through structured team-up support.
Judge and academic visibility
Receive feedback in a university-backed setting with judges and academically connected industry leaders.
Exposure and ecosystem access
Pitch in front of a live audience and meet future collaborators, mentors, and community supporters.
Final Day
Planned Final Day experience
The Final Pitch Day is planned as a live showcase of shortlisted teams and community engagement.
Agenda & Key Dates
A clear competition journey from sign-up to Final Day
The competition follows a clear journey from registration and team formation through to submission, shortlisting, and live pitching.
Competition timeline
Team-Up Info Session
Offline + online
Participants can learn about the competition, connect with others, and form cross-disciplinary teams.
Pitch Workshop
Online via Zoom
A guided session to help teams refine their positioning, structure, and presentation approach.
Draft Submission
Submission milestone
Teams submit their draft materials for review and shortlisting consideration.
Final Submission
Submission milestone
Shortlisted teams prepare their final materials and solution demonstration ahead of Final Day.
Final Pitch Day + Networking
Live event
Selected finalist teams pitch live, followed by broader community engagement and networking.
Submission Requirements
Draft submission
5-page pitch deck
Demo progress update
Final submission
1 x 10-page pitch deck
Prototype or concept demonstration
This may include a technical prototype, process model, data analysis or simulation, or conceptual system design
Shortlisting
Finalist selection
All applicants submit a draft. Twelve finalist teams will be selected after draft review and invited to pitch live on Final Day.
Pricing
Competitor Pass
Includes competition participation, Team-Up Info Session, Pitch Workshop, and Final Day entry.
Audience Tickets
Early Bird ends: 11:59 PM, 25 April 2026
Regular sales close: 11:59 PM, 8 May 2026
Ticket release details coming soon.
Judges
Meet the confirmed judging panel
The judging panel brings together academic, technical, and research perspectives relevant to innovation, engineering, and applied technology.
Yifei Wang
Founder, AIBUILD & Global Elite School; Academic, University of Melbourne
Shuangmin Shi
Lecturer in Engineering Management, The University of Melbourne
Pooria Pasbakhsh
R&D Material Scientist; Research Fellow and Adjunct Associate Professor
Register
Apply to compete or register your interest
Competition applications are now open. Audience ticketing details will be released later, and the same interest form can also be used for partnership and sponsorship enquiries.
Compete
Competition Registration
Ready to compete? Submit your application through the official registration form.
Apply to CompeteApplications are open to individuals and teams.
Interest Form
Audience / Partnership Interest
Not competing? Use this form to receive audience ticket updates or express interest in partnership or sponsorship opportunities.
FAQ
Common questions
A few quick answers to help participants and audience members understand the event clearly.
Who can apply?+
The competition is open to students, recent graduates, early-stage innovators, and aspiring builders across Australia. Both individuals and teams are welcome.
Can I apply without a team?+
Yes. Individual applicants are welcome, and team formation support will be provided during the Team-Up Info Session.
What is the target team size?+
Cross-disciplinary teams of 4–6 participants are encouraged.
What do I need to submit?+
Draft submission requires a 5-page pitch deck and a demo progress update. Final submission requires a 10-page pitch deck and a prototype or concept demonstration.
How are finalists selected?+
All applicants submit a draft, and 12 finalist teams will be selected after review and invited to pitch live on Final Day.
When will audience tickets be available?+
Audience ticket release details are coming soon. You can register your interest through the website form to receive updates.
What details are still to be confirmed?+
The exact Final Day venue, ticketing platform, full final program, prize details, and any additional judges or guests are still to be confirmed.
Organiser
Delivered with academic support and community backing
This event is hosted by the University of Melbourne FEIT and delivered by Innovate Connect Alliance, with support from partner communities.
Host
University of Melbourne FEIT
Provides the university-backed setting and institutional credibility for the competition.
Delivered by
Innovate Connect Alliance
A community-led platform focused on innovation, collaboration, and professional connection across STEM and emerging industries.
Community Support
SEEYA
Community supporter
UoMCAN
Community supporter
More partners to be announced.