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H2O Hack - solving water challenges from space


The Centre for Entrepreneurial Agri-Technology (CEAT),  ANU Institute of Water Futures, and Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN), in collaboration with the ANU Institute for Space, CSIRO and Charles Sturt University are calling for ambitious researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs to come together to participate in a virtual hackathon – ‘H2O Hack - solving water challenges from space’ – to collaborate, innovate and create new solutions to address Australia’s water challenges using space technology.  

The H2O Hack looks to develop innovative satellite-enabled solutions that improve water sustainability and management across regional Australia. Solutions can range from high-impact research project outcomes to delivery of new products with sustainable and scalable business models. Projects that use policy and social initiatives to improve water management – alongside applications of space technologies - are also encouraged. Proposed solutions will be judged on their potential for commercialisation and impact. 

Are you or someone you know working on a solution that could solve these problems:

  • explore how space-based technologies can be used to quantify water management challenges across Australia

  • create a space-technology based idea which improves water use efficiency in Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries and has potential to be commercialised

  • create a forum for industry, academia and government representatives to exchange perspectives and collaborate

  • enable research to be applied in novel ways to create real-world impacts

  • increase public awareness of water scarcity and the need for effective water management

  • provide opportunities to get advice from expert mentors about taking an idea from concept to delivery through Canberra’s innovation ecosystem.

Key info

The virtual hackathon will be held from 11- 15 October, 2021, full schedule details are available on the event website.

Teams are encouraged to collaborate outside of scheduled hackathon sessions to help them progress and finesse their project ideas. 

What’s in it for you?

Participants can use ‘H2O Hack - solving water challenges from space’ as an opportunity to develop ideas and technologies that have potential to generate significant environmental, economic and societal impacts. Last year’s H2O Hack winners have gone on to create a business based on their hack-winning entry.

In addition to cash prizes up to $20,000, highly ranked teams will be provided with ongoing support to make their idea a reality, including opportunities to access the Idea2Impact workshop program and coworking at CBRIN, attend CEAT-mediated workshops to develop linkages with researchers and industry, and participate in the CEAT Innovation Hub

Sign me up!

To compete participants are required to form a team of up to five individuals before the event. Single entrants will be able to register but will not be guaranteed a place in the hackathon. 

You can register for the H2O Hack here