Tech eChallenge

Tech eChallenge

Where technology meets innovation

Technology is reshaping the way we live, work, and connect – from generative AI and digital platforms to hardware prototypes and engineering solutions. The Tech eChallenge course gives you the tools and support to turn ideas into demos, prototypes and pitches that stand out.

You don’t need to be a coder. With today’s no-code and AI-powered tools, anyone can create and test technology-driven solutions. Whether you’re a student wanting to boost your career, or an external participant ready to explore your first tech venture, Tech eChallenge is the launchpad.

Pathways through Tech eChallenge

Boost your tech career

Boost your tech career

Learn how to apply product thinking, design prototypes, and communicate technical ideas clearly – skills that set you apart in tech-enabled roles.

Validate an early tech idea

Validate an early tech idea

Already have a concept? Use Tech eChallenge to build a demo or prototype, test it with users, and refine your approach with feedback from mentors.

Launch your first venture

Launch your first venture

If you’re ready to take the leap, you’ll develop a technology solution from problem to proof-of-concept, with guidance from experienced mentors in the field.

  • Hands-on tech experience: practise prototyping, UX, product design, and lean experimentation.
  • Mentorship from industry experts: connect with technologists, product leaders, and experienced founders.
  • Career-ready skills: apply creative problem-solving, data-driven decision making, and teamwork to tech-enabled projects.
  • Confidence to pitch: present demos and prototypes convincingly to stakeholders and future employers.
  • Portfolio-ready outcomes: finish with a tangible demo or prototype to showcase in applications, interviews, or venture pitches.

Tech eChallenge uses the Jobs to Be Done framework - a proven method that keeps your project focused on what people really need, ensuring your technology solves real problems.

Understand the job

Identify what people are really trying to achieve — the underlying task behind the “problem.”

Create solution

Design approaches that help them get the job done more easily, quickly or effectively.

Prototype fast

Turn your concept into a demo or proof-of-concept using no-code, generative AI or hardware tools.

Deliver value

Present your prototype and highlight the difference it makes — to users, employers, or your future career.

Specialised workshops

Specialised workshops

Interactive sessions on opportunity discovery, customer validation, UX/UI design, prototyping and pitching - led by academic staff, AI specialists, UX/UI experts and professionals in the tech field.

Be ready to hack

Be ready to hack

An intensive three-hour hackathon where you’ll design, build and prototype your ideas live. Supported by tech experts who provide on-the-spot feedback, this session challenges you to move fast, test assumptions and turn concepts into tangible demos.

Venture showcase

Venture showcase

Present your early prototype or demo to industry experts, alumni and peers, and use their feedback to sharpen your approach.

Semi-finals pitch

Semi-finals pitch

Pitch your solution to a judging panel, who will provide targeted feedback on both your technical execution and business case.

Final judging & Awards ceremony

Final judging & Awards ceremony

Celebrate the most innovative tech solutions in front of entrepreneurs, investors, and University and government leaders. Winners are recognised at a high-profile event, capping off the Tech eChallenge experience.

Awards & prizes

Awards & prizes

Tech eChallenge recognises standout teams with awards and significant support to take their prototypes further. This unique mix of visibility, mentoring and practical resources gives ambitious participants the confidence to continue building.

Who can take part

Undergraduates

For credit where eligible.

Enrol in Tech eChallenge (BUSI 3901)

Postgraduates

For credit where eligible.

Enrol in Tech eChallenge (AGRI 6002)

HDR/PhD students, staff, and the general public

To join via the open.

Register your interest

Partner with eChallenge

The success of eChallenge is built on collaboration. Each year, we work with sponsors, partners and mentors who share our commitment to innovation and future-ready skills.

Sponsors and partners 

By supporting eChallenge, you connect with the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. Opportunities range from event sponsorship to dedicated prize categories – even naming rights for your own award.

Mentors

Our mentors are at the heart of the course. They inspire, guide and challenge participants, drawing on their own industry experience to help shape the next wave of talent.

If you’d like to explore how your organisation or expertise can make an impact, we’d love to have a conversation.

Partner with eChallenge