Deadline: 01-Jun-2026
Applications are now open for the “Tech for Sustainability Hackathon – your ideas in energy, environment, social sciences and health,” organised by the Embassy of France in Australia in partnership with Adelaide University, the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), and the French–Australian Laboratory for Human–Machine Teaming (IRL Crossing).
The hackathon supports innovative and multidisciplinary solutions focused on sustainability, energy transition, artificial intelligence, environment, health, and social sciences while promoting collaboration between French and Australian research and innovation ecosystems.
Program Objectives
The initiative aims to:
- Promote innovation for sustainable development
- Support solutions addressing environmental and energy challenges
- Encourage interdisciplinary and intercultural collaboration
- Strengthen entrepreneurship and problem-solving skills
- Build connections between French and Australian academic sectors
- Highlight the French education, research, and innovation ecosystem
Focus Areas
Participants may work on solutions related to:
- Sustainable development
- Energy transition
- Green technologies
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
- Environmental sustainability
- Social sciences
- Health innovation
Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability
A major theme of the hackathon is the role of artificial intelligence in sustainability.
The programme encourages discussion around:
- AI as a tool for ecological transition
- Sustainable AI applications
- Environmental impacts of AI systems
- Energy, water, and material consumption linked to AI technologies
- Responsible and resource-efficient innovation
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- PhD students
- Early career researchers
- Master’s degree students
- Participants from diverse academic disciplines and backgrounds
Eligible Regions
Applicants from the following regions are encouraged to apply:
- Australia
- French Pacific territories
Participants must:
- Be able to communicate in English
- Be available for the full duration of the hackathon
- Be willing to work collaboratively in teams
- Demonstrate interest in innovation and problem-solving
Team Structure
Selected participants will be assigned to multidisciplinary teams based on expertise.
Team Composition
- Each team will include 4–5 participants
- Teams will receive guidance from mentors and coaches
Mentorship Support
Participants will receive:
- Coaching sessions
- Guidance on innovation and business development
- Presentations on company building and entrepreneurship
- Collaborative problem-solving support
Financial Support
- A travel allowance to Adelaide may be available for some participants
- Priority support may be provided to students from French Pacific territories
- Exact funding amounts have not been specified
Why This Hackathon Matters
The initiative helps:
- Encourage youth innovation for sustainability
- Promote responsible technology development
- Strengthen international academic collaboration
- Support future entrepreneurs and researchers
- Build practical problem-solving and teamwork skills
- Foster sustainable solutions across multiple sectors
Organising Partners
The hackathon is organised in partnership with:
- Embassy of France in Australia
- Adelaide University
- French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS)
- French–Australian Laboratory for Human–Machine Teaming (IRL Crossing)
How to Apply
- Prepare information about your academic background and interests
- Demonstrate your motivation for sustainability and innovation
- Highlight relevant skills or research experience
- Confirm availability for the full hackathon programme
- Submit the application according to the official guidelines before the deadline
Selection Criteria
Applicants may be assessed based on:
- Interest in sustainability and innovation
- Academic or research background
- Problem-solving and teamwork potential
- Interdisciplinary collaboration skills
- Motivation and communication abilities
- Relevance of expertise to hackathon themes
Tips for Strong Applications
- Clearly explain your interest in sustainability challenges
- Highlight interdisciplinary experience or technical skills
- Demonstrate teamwork and collaboration abilities
- Show enthusiasm for innovation and entrepreneurship
- Mention any experience in AI, energy, environment, health, or social sciences
- Emphasize willingness to work in multicultural teams
FAQ
Who can apply for the hackathon?
PhD students, early career researchers, and Master’s students from Australia and the French Pacific territories are eligible.
What topics does the hackathon focus on?
The event focuses on sustainability, energy transition, artificial intelligence, environment, social sciences, and health.
Is artificial intelligence a key theme?
Yes, the programme explores AI both as a sustainability tool and as a technology with environmental impacts requiring responsible management.
Will participants work in teams?
Yes, selected participants will be assigned to teams of four to five members.
Is financial support available?
Some participants may receive travel support to Adelaide, especially students from French Pacific territories.
What language will the hackathon use?
Participants must be able to communicate in English.
Conclusion
The Tech for Sustainability Hackathon provides a collaborative platform for students and researchers to develop innovative solutions addressing sustainability, energy, environment, health, and AI-related challenges. Through mentorship, interdisciplinary teamwork, and international collaboration, the initiative supports the next generation of innovators working toward sustainable and responsible technological development.
For more information, visit Campus France.