Designing technology-enabled solutions for digital inclusion across the Asia–Pacific.
Tech4Change is a UQ-wide innovation hackathon challenge that brings students together to design practical, socially responsible technology solutions addressing information and communication technology (ICT) for development in the Asia-Pacific Region.
Through a one-day bootcamp consisting of mentoring, teamwork and presentations, students apply business, technology and strategy skills to real-world problems affecting communities across the Asia-Pacific.
The initiative develops student employability, strengthens belonging and creates an authentic learning experience where students can connect classroom knowledge with meaningful social impact.
The Tech4Change hackathon is proudly supported by:
Tech4Change: Asia-Pacific ICT Innovation Challenge 2026 marked the program's third year, building on the inaugural 2024 event and the growth of 2025.
The 2026 challenge
Ready Together: Digital Innovation for Disaster-Resilient Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities in the Asia-Pacific.
125 students formed 33 groups and took part in a one-day bootcamp of mentoring, teamwork and presentations. Teams designed technology-enabled solutions for culturally and linguistically diverse communities across the Asia-Pacific, then pitched to judges at the final presentations and awards night.
Students developed innovative solutions to address challenges communities may face during disaster events such as cyclones and landslides. Their projects focused on key areas including:
multilingual communication to ensure emergency information reaches people from diverse language backgrounds
accessible emergency communication to support people with different accessibility needs
early-warning systems for remote areas to help communities receive timely alerts and prepare for approaching hazards.
Winning and recognised projects
First Place ($3,000)
Disaster Messages in Rual Papua New Guinea
Team: The 3 ML Musketeers
Baasanjargal (Bree) Nemekhbayar
Lars Evensen
Sara Fulton
Second Place ($2,000)
Bridge: Connecting University Student Unions to Community Anchors
Team: Gold Diggers
Anshraj Srivastava
Alex John
Sienna Richardson
Harper Mikkelsen
People’s Choice Award ($1,000)
Early warning system for remote Aboriginal communities in the NT
Team: Doduo
Chanthana (Ashley) Lov
Elyse Ng
Creative Catalyst Award ($250)
Heat Meter: Preventing Heat Stress in Indonesia
Team: Better Than Late
Ameera Khaira Tawfiqa
Marizal Fanani
Nanda Khairun Nissa
Reanne Besa
Dimas Gistha Adnyana
Previous event highlights
2025
Tech4Change: Asia-Pacific ICT Innovation Challenge 2025 built on the success of the inaugural 2024 event and 2 years of funded collaboration supporting students across the region. The event was sponsored by the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity, Accenture and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sports and the Arts.
The 2025 challenge
98 students (forming 28 groups) were tasked to design technology-enabled solutions for digital inclusion across Asia-Pacific countries.
Students developed AI-enabled and technology-driven solutions addressing regional social issues such as:
ADHD detection
accessibility platforms
digital agriculture
elderly loneliness
gender inclusion.
Judges praised the creativity, professionalism and real-world relevance of student projects.
The Tech4Change team and winning students were also invited to present at the 22nd APT Telecommunication/ICT Development Forum in Bangkok, highlighting the initiative’s growing regional recognition and impact.
Winning and recognised projects
First Place ($3,000)
The Farmer’s Digital Toolbox An AI-enabled platform supporting sustainable farming practices.
Second Place ($2,000)
FormAssist.AI A smart device designed to help vulnerable Australians overcome digital barriers.
People’s Choice Award ($500)
Golden A mobile storytelling app designed to reduce loneliness among elderly people.
Creative Catalyst Award ($500)
Lumina Group Using Technology to Improve Digital Inclusion in the Asia-Pacific: Overcoming Gender Imbalances.
2024 highlights
The inaugural Tech4Change: Asia-Pacific ICT Innovation Challenge was launched in 2024, building on existing collaborations with the Department of Infrastructure.
Sponsored by the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity and the Australian Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, the event invited UQ Business School students to address Sustainable Development Goal challenges across the Asia-Pacific.
Over a 4-week challenge, students could choose either a data stream or a strategy stream to explore any solution to address any challenges with ICT for development within the Asia-Pacific.
Students developed solutions for issues such as:
child marriage in Bangladesh
climate change adaptation in the Pacific
housing affordability in Australia
water stress
cardiovascular health in Indonesia
environmental pollution in India.
Winning projects
Data stream
First place ($1,000) Heart to Heart: Unveiling Indonesia’s Cardio Crisis
Second place ($500) Developing a classification model to forecast future water stress challenges
Third place Game On, Plastic Gone: India’s Strategy for Environmental Change
Strategy stream
First place ($1,000) A sustainable system to prevent and reverse the effects of rising sea levels
Second place ($500) Transforming Housing Crisis into Sustainable Housing in Australia
Third place Alleviation of child marriage through financial education and support in Bangladesh
The inaugural event received strong feedback from participants, judges and industry partners, establishing Tech4Change as a meaningful experiential learning initiative for future cohorts.
Tech4Change is a UQ-wide innovation hackathon challenge that brings students together to design practical, socially responsible technology solutions addressing information and communication technology (ICT) for development in the Asia-Pacific Region.
