Air Aware Hackathon 2025

“The future depends on what we do with the data today.”

Event details
Date & Time

7 and 8 July 2025
8.45am – 6pm both days (breakfast and lunch will be provided)

Location

Level 18,
Tennison Woods House,
8-20 Napier Street,
North Sydney NSW 2060

 

Duration

2 days

Deadline

4 July 2025

Registration

Register now

Ready to turn data into impact?

Join fellow innovators at the Air Aware Hackathon 2025 and help shape a cleaner, smarter world with AI. Over two days, you'll harness the power of AI and real-world data to create solutions that tackle air pollution - one of today's most urgent environmental challenges.

Harness the power of AI and real-world air quality data to create solutions that aim to empower communities, inform policymakers and inspire everyday actions.

Register now

This event is supported by


logo for aws
logo for Data#3
logo for Microsoft
logo for paloalto

Your challenge:

Build an AI-powered solution that:

  • utilises real air quality datasets
  • analyses pollution trends and patterns
  • visualises data in an intuitive and informative manner
  • educates others on actions for cleaner air.

Why join?

Air pollution is real – your skills can make a difference.

This isn’t just a hackathon – it’s a launchpad for change. You’ll collaborate with like-minded thinkers, gain new skills, and turn data into real-world impact.

Support and tools to succeed

  • Datasets: World Air Quality Index, EPA Air Quality Data, OpenAQ
  • Platforms:
    • Azure ML Studio – for training models and visualisation.
    • Jupyter Notebooks – for coding and data analysis.
    • Microsoft AI Foundry – to prototype and deploy apps.
  • Libraries: Pandas, Matplotlib, Scikit-learn, etc.
  • Support: mentorship from industry experts, technical workshops, and daily coding clinics.

Prizes

Winners will receive prizes based on the following categories:

  • Best overall solution
  • Most innovative approach
  • Best data visualisation
  • Community impact
  • Best individual contributor

Winners will receive trophies, prizes, and opportunities to present their solutions to industry leaders. Prizes are sponsored by our industry partners:

  • AWS
  • Data 3

Schedule snapshot

  • Day 1: Forming teams and plans.
  • Day 2: Development, presentations and judging.

Please note, a detailed schedule will be provided upon registration.

Who should join?

  • If you like figuring out how things work, technology, AI and having fun, this hackathon is for you.
  • If you have a passion for the planet and sustainability and the role technology can play in that, then this is also for you.
  • Teams of three to five are encouraged, individuals also very welcome and will be grouped.

What you’ll deliver

  • Code repository: a GitHub repository with source code and documentation.
  • Presentation: summarising the problem, solution, and impact.
  • Live demo: demonstrating the working application.
  • Azure setup instructions: to deploy the solution on Azure.
  • Additional media: such as a fun and interactive website (Wix), infographic (Canva), gamified slide deck (Google Slides), animated explainer video (Canva Video), Miro board, virtual poster wall.

Evaluation criteria

  • Innovation: originality and creativity of the solution.
  • Technical implementation: effectiveness and efficiency of AI/ML models.
  • Impact: potential to positively influence air quality understanding and improvement.
  • Presentation: clarity and persuasiveness of the final presentation.
  • Educational value: ability to inform and engage users on air quality issues.

Our Judging Panel

  • Amazon Web Services
  • Capgemini
  • ACU

FAQs

No, you can register solo and we’ll help match you with a group.
No. There will be a variety of tools for you to explore on the day. Doesn’t hurt if you check them out early. There are online lists of AI tools that you can Google and check out.
Yes, participation is free. As are the snacks and drinks.
You will need to advise us of any dietaries as part of registration. This includes any allergies. Note: we cannot guarantee that there will not be allergens present on the day.
If you don’t have a laptop or an iPad, please indicate this at registration. We have a limited number of loan devices from our wonderful industry partners that will be available on the day.
ACU will provide IT support on the day to support you with basic support. We cannot rebuild devices or replace devices.
Yes. There will be a photographer available to take photos of winners and anyone else who would like a photo. Please note that there will be roving photography and that you will be asked to sign a release as part of your registration.
Of course! We welcome students from Year 11 to Year 12.
Yes absolutely. Our industry partners will provide mentors, and our keynotes will be around before or after their speeches. This is a great opportunity to engage with them about their careers and advice they may have for you.

Photography will take place during the event. We will be capturing attendees in action, as well as during the awards ceremony when prizes are awarded.

You’ll need to provide consent prior to the event as part of your registration. If you are under 18 years old, we will need the consent from your parent/guardian. We’ll ask for their details during the registration process.

Get involved

Let’s turn data into action and AI into positive solutions.

For sponsorship opportunities, mentorship roles, or general inquiries, please contact us at - Richard.Dobek@acu.edu.au

Register now

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