About
UTS Tech Festival (23 June – 04 July, 2025) is a two-weeks festival of events, showcases, hackathons, workshops, masterclasses, seminars, competitions, industry-student engagement and much more! Our goal is to bring together students, academics and industry to foster learning, inspiration, share ideas and promote innovation.
Decision Advantage AI Hackathon
Join us as we explore how AI and Autonomy technologies can create ‘Decision Advantage’ for a real-world Defence problem. Student participants will engage in a unique experience, receiving a ‘mission brief’ and collaborating directly with Defence problem owners to demonstrate how their technical skills can contribute to real Defence challenges. Chaos1, in collaboration with the Australian Army Battle Lab, will be present to facilitate the hackathon and support you. Come to XLAB @ UTS Tech Lab and experience how student talent is changing the game for Defence technology.
Venue:
UTS Tech Lab at Botany Bay (32/34 Lord St, Botany NSW 2019)
Date and Time:
Tuesday, 01 July – Wednesday, 02 July , 2025, 10.00pm – 5.00pm
Who can participate?
While local students are preferred to participate, we encourage expressions of interest from all eligible students, including international students. Participation follows a two-stage process:
- Stage 1 – Expression of Interest (EOI): Book into this event and submit the form to register your interest
- Stage 2 – Selection: Applications are subject to review, and successful applicants will receive an email invitation to participate and confirm their attendance.
Please note that by booking into this event on CareerHub and submitting an EOI form does not guarantee a place in this hackathon. Attendance will only be confirmed via your UTS student email address.
Register your expression of interest by Sunday 22 June 2025.
Hackathon Details
- Date: Tue 1 July – Wed 2 July 2025
- Time: 10:00am – 5:00pm (both days)
- Location: UTS Tech Lab at Botany Bay (32/34 Lord St, Botany NSW 2019)
Who is this hackathon for? This hackathon is for any undergraduate, postgraduate, and HDR student with an interest or experience in AI and Autonomy. While the focus is on Engineering and IT fields—such as AI, software, mechanical, mechatronics, electrical, and electronics—students from other disciplines, including Business, are also welcome to apply.
Whilst coding knowledge is desired it is not essential. During team allocation, skills sets will be taken into consideration to ensure the best possible outcomes for all participants.
Team Structure: Teams will be formed on Day 1 and may range between 3-4 members.
Prizes:
- First place: $800 Cash Prize (Voucher) + 1st place experience with Chaos1
- Second place: $400 Cash Prize (Voucher)
- Third place: 3rd place experience with Chaos1
Teams will also be invited to attend the Tech Fest Awards Night (Friday 4 July 2025) to be recognised and awarded faculty certificates and trophies.
Participant recognition: Student team members who attend both days and pitch their project solutions will receive a participatory certificate.
Food: Light refreshments will be provided during the event, but participants are encouraged to bring their own lunch or utilise nearby dining options.
Event Organisers: UTS Faculty of Engineering and IT & Chaos1
Who is Chaos1?
Chaos1 provides a critical bridge between technology and capability for Defence and Mission-Critical Industries. As a veteran-owned and operated technology company, Chaos1 uses proven frameworks to accelerate and de-risk technology investment decisions.
Agenda
Organizing Committee
A/Prof. Nabin Sharma
Organizing Chair and Lead
Jason Do
Coodinator, Student Engagement
Sarah Rodriguez
Student Engagement Officer
Christopher Hume
Head of Technology, Chaos1
Michael Robinson
Customer Success Manager, Chaos1
Samuel Tint
Mission Software Developer, Chaos1
Supported By
