Answers to common questions about ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Hackathon Hong Kong and Macau 2026.
About the ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Hackathon Hong Kong and Macau 2026
About the Hackathon FAQs
- What’s involved in the ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Hackathon?
- Can I create a solution to a challenge I have identified myself?
- How much time will I need to commit?
- Do you offer support during the competition?
The ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Hackathon is a team-based innovation competition where participants work together to develop a solution to a real-world challenge.
After choosing a challenge theme, teams research the problem, generate ideas and create a proposal that explains their solution and its potential impact.
Teams submit a written proposal (150 words) and 3-5 minute video pitch, which are reviewed by a panel of ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ academics and industry experts.
Shortlisted teams are then invited to present their ideas at the Grand Final on 14 November in Hong Kong, where they pitch to judges and compete for prizes and awards.
Along the way, participants develop valuable skills in teamwork, problem-solving, communication and innovation while connecting with like-minded peers, mentors and experts.
Your solution must address one of the official Hackathon challenge themes. You can receive full details of this year's challenges by registering in advance.
However, within that theme, you're encouraged to identify a specific problem or opportunity that interests your team and develop your own unique solution.
The strongest entries often take a fresh approach to a real-world issue, so we're looking for original ideas, creativity and innovative thinking.
Just make sure your proposal clearly links back to your chosen challenge theme and its objectives.
The amount of time you spend on the Hackathon is up to your team, but we recommend setting aside a few hours each week between receiving the challenge brief and the submission deadline.
Most teams spend time researching their chosen challenge, developing their idea, preparing their proposal and creating their video pitch. Teams that plan ahead and meet regularly often find the process more enjoyable and less stressful.
If your team is selected for the Grand Final, you'll also need to attend the in-person event and spend some additional time preparing your presentation.
The Hackathon is designed to fit alongside your existing studies or work commitments while still giving you the opportunity to develop a high-quality submission.
Yes. All participants will be invited to an online workshop where you'll learn more about the challenge themes, hear from members of the judging panel and have the opportunity to connect with other participants.
Teams selected for the Grand Final will receive additional support, including dedicated workshops, mentoring and guidance from ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ academics, alumni and industry experts to help refine their ideas and prepare for the final pitch.
How to take part
How to take part FAQs
- Who can take part in the Hackathon 2026?
- Can I apply if I participated in the ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Hackathon before?
- Do I need specific skills to take part?
- Can I register my interest if I don’t have a team yet?
We welcome participants into one of two available events:
- ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Hackathon Hong Kong and Macau for high schools is for students in grades 10–12, studying in high schools in Hong Kong and Macau.
- ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Hackathon Hong and Macau for university students and early career professionals is for:
- current university students studying at universities in Hong Kong or Macau;
- graduates who have graduated from universities in Hong Kong or Macau within the last three years; and
- early career professionals in Hong Kong and Macau who have up to three years of professional work experience.
Yes, returning participants are welcome to apply.
Not at all. We're looking for curious, motivated people who enjoy solving problems and working with others.
Technical skills such as coding can be helpful, but they're not essential. The strongest teams often include a mix of strengths, from research and creative thinking to communication, business, design and technical expertise.
Yes. We encourage you to register even if you haven't found a team yet, as this will give you access to this year's challenge briefs and key competition information.
However, you'll need to join or form a team before the team submission deadline on 24 October 2026, as individual entries are not permitted.
If you're registering on your own, let us know when you sign up. We'll do our best to connect you with other participants looking for teammates, although we can't guarantee team placements. We therefore recommend starting your search as early as possible.
Your Hackathon team
Your Hackathon team FAQs
- What is the deadline for team applications? 
- How many people can be in my team? 
- How many teams can apply from one school?
- Can you help me find a team?
- Can we change our team members?
- What if one of my team drops out? 
You can submit your team's entry from 25 September 2026.
The deadline for all submissions is 23.59 (11.59pm) HKT/MST on 25 October 2026.
Your team should have four or five members.
A maximum of three teams can apply from one high school in the Hackathon for high schools.
We encourage you to form a team with classmates, friends, fellow students or colleagues wherever possible.
If you're a high school student, consider speaking to teachers, careers advisers or school counsellors, who may be able to help connect you with others interested in taking part.
While we can't guarantee team placements, participants who register individually can let us know they're looking for teammates.
We'll do our best to connect you with others in a similar situation before the competition begins.
Yes, you can change your team members up to the team submission deadline of Saturday 25 October 2026.
Email us imperialhackathon@imperial.ac.uk about changes to your team.
Your team can still take part as long as it meets the minimum requirement of four members.
Email us imperialhackathon@imperial.ac.uk about changes to your team.
Making your pitch
Making your pitch FAQs
- How do we submit our initial pitch?
- Can finalists present remotely?
- What language should my pitch be in?
You can submit your team's initial pitch through the team submission form from 25 September 2026 until 23:59 (HKT/MST) on 24 October 2026.
Your submission should include:
- A 150-word written proposal outlining your idea
- A 3–5 minute video pitch explaining your solution
Be sure to submit before the deadline, as late entries cannot be accepted.
You must register in advance to receive a link to the team submission form.
Your pitch and presentations should be delivered in English.
The Hackathon grand final
FAQs
- When is the grand final?
- Can I attend the grand final as an audience member? 
- Can I bring guests to the grand final? 
- Do I need to bring a laptop for the grand final presentation?
- What should I wear? 
- Is Wi-Fi and technical support available? 
- Are refreshments provided at the grand final? 
Saturday 14 November 2026. The event will take place at the Data Technology Hub, Tseung Kwan O InnoPark, HKSTP.
Absolutely.
Absolutely!
Please use our registration form to request your free ticket.
Team members competing in the final can register for up to two free guest tickets.
It depends on how you plan to present.
All finalist teams are required to submit their slide deck to imperialhackathon@imperial.ac.uk at least 48 hours before the Grand Final. Your slides will be pre-loaded onto a shared presentation laptop, so you do not need to bring a laptop if you're only presenting slides.
However, if your pitch includes a live demo, prototype, or software demonstration, you should bring your own laptop if it is required to run or showcase your project. We also recommend testing any demos beforehand and having a backup plan in case of technical issues.
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All finalists will be provided with an official ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Hackathon T-shirt to wear during the Grand Final.
We recommend pairing this with comfortable, smart-casual clothing and footwear, ensuring you're both professional and comfortable throughout the event.
Yes. The venue has Wi-Fi and our team can provide on-site technical support.
Refreshments will be available for finalists and their guests.
Judging and prizes
Judging and prizes FAQs
- How are pitches judged? 
- Who are the judges?
- What could I win? 
- Will participants receive a certificate?
Your pitch will be evaluated on its creativity, innovation and feasibility, as well as its potential impact, interdisciplinarity and how you’ve worked as a team. 
Register to receive full details of the judging criteria for this year.
The Hackathon judges include ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ academics, external industry experts and members of ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s Student Recruitment team.
Learn more about this year's panel of judges.
The top three finalist teams from each competition will receive a range of prizes. There are also a number of specialist awards on offer.
Check the event page for the high school track or the university and early career professionals track for details.
All teams that reach the grand final will receive a certificate of participation.
Accommodation and expenses
Accommodation and expenses FAQs
- Do you provide accommodation for grand finalists? 
- Can you cover my travel expenses to the grand final? 
No. You must arrange your own accommodation, but we can provide a list of nearby hotels and hostels.
No. You’ll need to cover your own costs for travel, including flights, visas and accommodation. 
How to contact us
Email imperialhackathon@imperial.ac.uk and one of the team will get back to you.