2-day online virtual event. Login details will be shared directly with selected hackathon teams.

Do you have an innovative idea to help reduce packaging and plastic waste? We need you!

I-ACE Hackathon aims to accelerate the development of promising students & startups/MSMEs working towards a sustainable future.

About the challenge

You’re invited to take part in the India Australia Circular Economy Hackathon where in a team you will select an idea to develop, justify and present a solution to one of the four hackathon themes linked to the Circular Economy.

Theme 1: Innovation in packaging reducing packaging waste

Theme 2: Innovation in food supply chains avoiding waste

Theme 3: Creating opportunities for plastics waste reduction

Theme 4: Recycling critical energy metals and e-waste

Your idea can take the form of an app, digital art, a website, a game, 3D models, graphic designs, pure academic research, or any other medium which can be tested and innovated upon.

Why Circular Economy?

Each year, 90 billion tonnes of primary materials are extracted and used globally, with only 9 per cent recycled. With the Circular Economy model, we get to enjoy the benefits of safe packaging without damaging the environment.

Circular economy has been identified as a major commercial opportunity and could support the development of new industries and jobs, reducing emissions and increasing efficient use of natural resources.

Discover more about our research on Circular Economy

Key dates

• Applications open: 2 December 2020
• Virtual information session: 9 December 2020
• Applications close: 8 January 2021
• Finalists are notified: During the week of 18 January 2021
• Opening ceremony: 8 February 2021
• Hackathon: 9 – 10 February 2021
• Awards ceremony and winners announced: 15 February 2021 (TBC)

Prizes

What will the winners receive? Pitch your idea to win part of a $52,000 prize pool.

In total the judging panel will select 8 winning teams; four student teams who will win $3,500 (total sum per team), and four start-up/SME teams who will win $9,500 (total sum per team).

Important information

It’s important that you read the below documents before entering your application.

Rules of play (PDF, 809KB)
Privacy statement (PDF, 258KB)
SME participation agreement (PDF, 196KB) - only applicable to the selected teams for the start-up/SME category
Media release form (PDF, 115KB)
FAQs (PDF, 170KB)

Ready to enter?

If you’re a university student, start-up or SME based in Australia and can form your own team consisting of 2 – 5 members, you’re eligible to apply!