University-backed innovation challenge
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.
9 May 2026 · 14:00–17:45 · University of Melbourne, Parkville Campus · Venue TBA
Hosted by the University of Melbourne FEIT
University-backed
Hosted by UoM FEIT
Individuals and teams
Open to solo applicants and teams
Team-up support
Meet collaborators through the Info Session
Past event atmosphere
Final Pitch Day · Audience
Watch finalist pitches, awards, and networking.
Register to attend the live showcase and support teams on the day.
9 May 2026
14:00–17:45
Why Join
Practical ideas, strong teams, real visibility
A university-backed competition for students and early-stage builders who want to turn ideas into real solutions.
Practical Challenge
Work on ideas that solve real problems and can be clearly tested, explained, and presented.
Cross-Disciplinary Teams
Collaborate with people from different backgrounds and build stronger solutions together.
Judge Visibility
Gain feedback and exposure in front of judges, academics, and a wider innovation audience.
Competition Theme
Innovate Melbourne Future
This year's challenge invites participants to develop practical solutions for a smarter, more sustainable, and more connected Melbourne.
Smart City & Infrastructure
Design solutions that improve urban systems, infrastructure, and the way cities function.
AI & Digital System
Apply data, AI, and digital technologies to create smarter and more efficient systems.
Sustainable Energy & Climate Tech
Develop innovations that support clean energy, sustainability, and environmental resilience.
Registration Journey
Choose how you want to join the competition
Whether you are applying as a competitor or attending selected sessions, here is the clearest path to join.
If you are applying as a competitor, complete the competition registration form first. Within the Google Form, you can indicate which eligible sessions you would like to attend.
Online Info Session
Online · Free · 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Open to everyone, including prospective competitors and general attendees. Learn about the competition format, timeline, judging expectations, and how to get started.
You do not need to register as a competitor to attend this session.
Onsite Team-Up Session
In person · Competitor-only
Designed for registered competitors who want to meet collaborators, exchange ideas, and form teams before submission.
Only available to competition applicants. You can indicate your interest after submitting the competition registration form.
Hybrid Pitch Workshop
Hybrid
A practical workshop on how to structure, present, and communicate technical ideas effectively.
Free for registered competitors. Non-competitors may attend by purchasing a separate ticket.
Draft Submission
Submission Deadline
Teams submit a 5-page draft deck and a short demo progress update for review and shortlisting.
Submission DeadlineFinal Submission
Submission Deadline
Teams finalise and submit their full pitch deck and prototype or concept demonstration materials.
Submission DeadlineFinal Pitch Day
Live Event
Watch shortlisted teams pitch live, followed by awards, audience engagement, and networking.
Free for registered competitors. Non-competitors may attend by purchasing an audience ticket.
Final Day Programme
Final Pitch Day · 9 May 2026
University of Melbourne, Parkville Campus
14:00–14:15
Opening Remarks
Opening of Final Pitch Day
14:15–14:30
Industry Insight Talk
A short industry talk exploring the current landscape and future direction of engineering and innovation.
14:30–15:45
First Pitching Session
15:45–16:00
Break
15-minute intermission
16:00–17:00
Second Pitching Session
17:00–17:15
Industry Reflection Talk
A closing industry perspective on innovation, collaboration, and future opportunities.
17:15–17:45
Awards and Closing Celebration
Recognising top teams and closing the event with a final celebration.
Submission requirements
Draft submission
5-page pitch deck
Demo progress update
Final submission
1 × 10-page pitch deck
Prototype or concept demonstration
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 review and invited to pitch live on Final Day.
Pricing
Competitor Pass
Includes competition participation, Team-Up Info Sessions, 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. Ticketing platform: TBD.
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
Expertise
AI product strategy, applied innovation, and commercialisation
Shuangmin Shi
Lecturer in Engineering Management
The University of Melbourne
Expertise
Engineering management, systems thinking, and innovation education
Pooria Pasbakhsh
R&D Material Scientist
Research Fellow and Adjunct Associate Professor
Expertise
Materials research, technical evaluation, and interdisciplinary research translation
Past Events & Community
A community built around ideas, collaboration, and momentum
Beyond the competition itself, the event brings together students, builders, researchers, and community partners in a setting designed for connection, exchange, and shared ambition.
Networking · Collaboration · Community
Volunteer on Final Pitch Day
We are looking for 20 volunteers to support event-day operations for the UoM Engineering & IT Innovation Competition 2026.
Volunteers should be available on 9 May 2026 from 9:00 AM onwards to assist with onsite coordination, guest support, registration, and general event delivery.
Please send your CV to admin@innovateconnectalliance.org
FAQ
Common questions
A few quick answers to help participants and audience members understand the event clearly.
Can I apply without a team?+
Yes. Individual applications are welcome, and participants can form teams during the onsite Team-Up Session.
What is the difference between the Info Session and the Team-Up Session?+
The Online Info Session introduces the competition format and key details. The Onsite Team-Up Session is designed for networking, idea exchange, and team formation.
Is the Pitch Workshop available online?+
Yes. The Pitch Workshop will be offered in a hybrid format, with both onsite and online participation options.
What needs to be submitted for the draft round?+
Teams need to submit a 5-page draft pitch deck together with a short demo progress update.
Where will the Final Pitch Day be held?+
The event will take place at the University of Melbourne, Parkville Campus. Exact venue details will be announced closer to the date.
Sponsors
Exclusive Title Sponsor
Community Partners
Supporting Sponsors
Interested in sponsoring this event?
Download our sponsorship package to explore visibility, expo, and partnership opportunities.