This Year’s SXSW Sydney Hackathon Will Supercharge Work with AI

Returning in 2025, the SXSW Sydney Hackathon brings together engineers, founders and curious minds to tackle real-world challenges with AI. Across high-energy brainstorming, rapid prototyping, and peer-to-peer collaboration, participants will learn fast, think big, and create solutions with impact.

This year’s theme is Supercharging Work With AI. In partnership with the National AI Centre and powered by Build Club, the Hackathon blends world-class guidance, learning sprints, and a live product lab atmosphere.

Guided by industry leaders from organisations such as Ticketek Entertainment Group, Relevance AI and simplefy.ai, participants gain hands-on exposure to over 30 AI tools before an in-person hackathon that transforms rapid learning into real-world innovation.

SXSW Sydney’s Hackathon is more than a competition, it’s a launchpad for next-generation AI talent, tools, and ideas. Every session and panel is designed to amplify the potential for lasting change in the way organisations in Australia and around the world work.

And the impact doesn’t stop on pitch day. Finalists received continued Build Club platform access and exposure in the SXSW Sydney Hackathon Gallery, helping emerging AI talent stay visible and connected across Build Club’s global network of 10,000 members.

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KEY DATES

Pre-Event Learning
29-30 September, online

• Online access to the Build Club platform 
• Explore 30+ AI tools and guided project modules 
• Up-skill with role-specific content 

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Brainstorm Session & Challenge Definition

Wednesday 15 October, 10:15am–12:00pm, ICC Sydney

• Introduction, challenge framing, and panel discussion 

• Experts define “Future of Work” challenges and themes 

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Challenge Accepted: Hackathon Networking Session & Team Formation
Thursday 16 October, 6:30pm–9:30pm, Darling Square Library

• Team networking, formal challenge unveiling 
• Food, drinks, and team formation 

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Hackathon Day / Build Sprint

Thursday 17 October, 9:00 am–5:00 pm, The Gallery at ICC Sydney

• Full-day hands-on building, sponsor tool demos, mentoring 

• Lightning talks, mentoring rotations, deep dives, and MVP sprint 

• Pre-judging of top teams. 

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SXSW Sydney Hackathon Final
18 October, 1:00 pm–2:00 pm, Discovery Stage within the Innovation Expo at ICC Sydney 

• Top teams pitch to judges for final evaluation

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