EnergyLab & Yurika Clean Energy Hackathon

Join EnergyLab & Yurika to conceive and develop clean energy startup ideas.

From agriculture to smart cities, mining to tourism, there are opportunities in a variety of sectors that can use emerging technology and business model innovations to spearhead the adoption of clean energy. Join us to work on startup ideas that can lead the transition and drive economic growth in Queensland.

There is no need to write software or build anything during the hackathon (although you're welcome to). The focus is on coming up with a startup idea and pitching it. While useful, sector knowledge is not a requirement. 

We strive for equality, inclusivity and accessibility at all of our events and we encourage all people to participate. If you have any concerns about attending this event, or the ticket price is a barrier to your attendance, please email events@energylab.org.au.

How it works

Not sure what a hackathon is? Not to worry, here's a high-level overview of what will happen during the event:

Inspiration: We'll kick off with a couple of quick presentations about problems you might consider solving.

Team forming: You can register as a team if you want to, but if you're missing a team member or registering as an individual then we'll help you find teammates. 

Ideation: Once teams are formed the brainstorming begins! Come up with a bunch of ideas and pick the one you want to work on for the rest of the hackathon.  

Developing: We'll leave lots of time for you to develop your ideas, do some customer research and prepare your presentation. 

Presenting: Each team will present to a panel of judges, who will pick the winning teams. 

Celebrating: Unwind and celebrate what you've achieved in less than 24 hours.

What's included

Your ticket includes all the sustenance and support you'll need to have a fun and fruitful 24 hours.

Meals. We'll provide dinner on Friday, breakfast and lunch on Saturday, and snacks throughtout.

Mentorship. One-on-one time with experienced mentors from a variety of disciplines.

Workshops. We'll run two workshops to help you refine your business idea and develop a killer pitch deck.

Network. The opportunity to meet other entrepreneurial people like yourself who are interested in tackling important challenges.

Mentors

Piers Grove, Co-Founder & Chair, EnergyLab.

James Miller-Randle, General Manager (acting) - Strategy & Emerging Opportunities, Yurika.

Professor Ian Atkinson, Director - eResearch, James Cook University.

Prizes

$25,000 USD in Microsoft Azure Credits when pursuing a software-based startup, via the Microsoft for Startups program.

Support from EnergyLab in developing your idea via our national incubator and accelerator programs.

Timing

Friday

5:30pm: Arrive, have something to drink and eat, and start to get to know your fellow participants

6:00pm: Presentations to provide inspiration, resources and information on what the next 24 hours will entail

7:30pm: Dinner, team formation, and team registration

8:30pm: Go home and rest (or work if you really want to)

Saturday

8:00am: Doors open and breakfast served

8:30am: Optional EnergyLab Canvas Workshop

Work in your teams with help from some mentors

12:30pm: Lunch served

1:00pm: Optional Pitch Deck Workshop

Continue to work in your teams with assistance from mentors

4:45pm: Submissions due

5:00pm: 5-minute presentation by each team followed by questions from the judges

6:00pm: Drinks to celebrate all you've achieved in 24 hours with winners announced by 7pm

Frequently asks questions (FAQs)

Can I still participate if I don't have an idea?

You can! We'll help your team find something interesting to work on.

Do I have to build something?

Nope. The purpose of this hackathon is to come up with, refine and pitch a startup idea (which we'll help you do). There is no need to write software or building anything.

Can I build something?

If you want to! It's not mandatory but building something in the short amount of time this event affords is sure to impress the judges.

How many people are allowed in a team?

Teams must contain 2, 3 or 4 people. Teams with 5 or more people in them must break into two or more smaller teams. Individuals can't compete but we will help you find at least one other person to form a team with (see below).

I already have teammates, can I just participate with them?

Yes! As long as you have at least one other person on your team (and your team doesn't have more than four people in it).

I don't know anyone else attending, how will I form a team? 

We have your back! We have built in a number of ways for you to meet other people in the same boat and will help you form a team with people you want to spend Saturday with. Friday night will start off with some casual networking. During the presentations, everyone will introduce themselves so you know who else is looking for team members. During dinner, the organiser will help match individuals together and make sure no one is left out. If you have any questions or concerns please send an email to events@energylab.org.au.

Do I have to spend the entire time at the venue?

Nope, but we would encourage you to. It's a great venue and we'll provide a constant stream of food and drink. However, if you would be more comfortable elsewhere or have other commitments then you're free to come and go. Please just be back in time for the presentations on Saturday.

Who typically attends hackathons?

EnergyLab's hackathons attract a more diverse audience than most. While some hackathons cater to a younger crowd, we are careful to make sure our hackathons are welcoming to adults of all ages. We typically have a good mix of university students, young professionals and professionals with 10-20 years of experience up their sleeve. As long as you're at least 18 years old, you should feel welcome at our hackathons. 

I have another question, who can I talk to? 

Send us an email at events@energylab.org.au.

About EnergyLab

EnergyLab is Australia’s leading platform for launching new energy businesses. Our integrated approach draws on the community of clean energy entrepreneurs and offers a range of ways to engage and leverage their ideas, technologies and resources. To read more about EnergyLab head to energylab.org.au.

About Yurika

We are energy experts working to help solve the energy challenges our customers face. We’re passionate about delivering customer value with intelligent energy and telco solutions. Offering superior choice and unrivalled expertise, we put Queensland and Australia at the leading edge of energy, now and in the future. To read more about Yurika head to yurika.com.au.

About Microsoft for Startups

Microsoft for Startups puts early-stage founders on a path to growth with real people who care. It starts with an industry-leading offer and continues with personalized guidance and access to a suite of technologies, both our own and our partners’. And when you’re ready, we’ll connect you with our network to help accelerate your growth. To read more about Microsoft for Startups head to startups.microsoft.com.

Want more?

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