Join us in T1 during the O-week stall to play games, win prizes, and take a gift hamper for your membership
Hours.One Challenge.Build Something Real.
Australia's cross-university hackathon bridging software engineering and cybersecurity.March 28-29, 2026
What is ACUSYS x DSEC?
ACUSYS x DSEC is a 36-hour hackathon bringing together students from universities across Australia to solve real-world problems at the intersection of software development and cybersecurity.
Whether you're a developer who wants to understand security, a security enthusiast who wants to build tools, or somewhere in between — this is your event.
In-person participation available in Melbourne. Online participation open Australia-wide.
name: "ACUSYS x DSEC 2026"duration: 36 // hoursfocus: ["software", "security"]teams: { max: 4, solo: true }prizes: "cash + sponsor rewards"Everything You Need to Know
Mark your calendar and prepare for 36 hours of innovation, collaboration, and code.
Melbourne In-Person Venue
In-person attendees will hack at Deakin University Burwood Campus. Exact building and room details will be shared closer to the event.
Online Participation
Can't make it to Melbourne? Join from anywhere in Australia through our Discord server with full access to mentors, workshops, and judging.
You don't need to be an expert.
This hackathon is designed for students who want to learn by doing. Whether you've been coding for years or just started, if you're ready to put in the work, you belong here.
Teams of up to 4 members. Solo participants are welcome — we'll help you find teammates before the event.
Software Engineering Students
Want hands-on security experience while building real applications.
Cybersecurity Students
Ready to ship working code and build security tools.
Developers
Looking to expand into security tooling and secure development practices.
Portfolio Builders
Want portfolio-ready projects and industry exposure.
All Skill Levels Welcome
Beginner, intermediate, or advanced — the hackathon is structured so everyone can contribute and learn. Mentors will be available to guide you throughout the event.
Build at the Intersection
Software meets security. Your code, your creativity, real-world impact.
Full Brief Drops at Kickoff
The complete challenge brief will be revealed when the hackathon begins. Until then, here's what we can tell you...
Real-World Problem Domains
Tackle challenges inspired by actual industry problems in software and security.
Multiple Categories
Different submission tracks to showcase different skills and approaches.
Technical Depth
Judging that rewards both innovative solutions and solid engineering.
Practical Impact
Build something that could actually be used, not just a demo.
Theme Teaser Coming Soon
Follow our socials for hints and teasers leading up to the event. The full theme and challenge details will be announced at kickoff.
Judging Criteria (Preview)
Building Together
ACUSYS x DSEC is made possible through collaboration with student organizations across Australia.
DUCA
Deakin University Cybersecurity Association
Leading the charge in cybersecurity education and community building.
ACUSYS
Australian University Cybersecurity Network
Connecting cybersecurity communities across Australian universities.
More Partners Joining Soon
Is your university club or organisation interested in collaborating? We're looking for partners to help spread the word, share logistics, and make this event bigger.
Become a PartnerCross-Promotion
Reach students from universities across Australia
Shared Resources
Pool resources for a bigger, better event
Brand Visibility
Logo placement and recognition throughout
Sponsor the Hackathon
Put your brand in front of tech students from universities across Australia. Connect with the next generation of software engineers and cybersecurity professionals.
Logo Placement
Your brand featured on event materials, website, and communications.
Judging Opportunities
Send representatives to judge submissions and interact with participants.
Prize Category Naming
Name a prize category and define what you want to see from participants.
Direct Access
Connect directly with talented tech students from across Australia.
Custom sponsorship packages available. Let's discuss how we can make this partnership work for you.
Sponsorship EnquiryMaximum visibility and engagement
Strong presence and recognition
Support and visibility
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We've got answers.
No. You can register solo and we'll help you find teammates before the event. We'll have team formation activities and a Discord channel dedicated to finding team members.
All levels welcome. If you're willing to learn and build, you belong here. We'll have mentors available throughout the event to help you tackle challenges regardless of your experience level.
Yes. Online participation is fully supported with Discord, mentorship, and equal judging. You'll have access to the same resources, workshops, and support as in-person attendees.
Yes. Free to participate. No entry fee, no hidden costs. For in-person attendees, we'll also provide food and drinks throughout the event.
Laptop, charger, and willingness to ship something. Food and drinks provided for in-person attendees. If you're attending in person, consider bringing a water bottle, snacks, and maybe a hoodie for the air conditioning.
Judging criteria will be shared at kickoff. Expect assessment on feasibility, technical execution, problem relevance, and impact. Each submission category may have slightly different weighting based on the track.
No. All work must be done during the 36-hour hackathon period. You can brainstorm ideas and learn technologies beforehand, but no code should be written until the official start.
Any technology you want! We encourage you to use tools and languages you're comfortable with, but also feel free to experiment and learn something new. The challenge will be flexible enough to accommodate various approaches.
Still have questions?
Partner With Us
We're building Australia's cross-university hackathon and want more collaborators to make it even better.
University Clubs
Co-host, promote to your members, or provide venue support
Corporate Sponsors
Get your brand in front of Australia's future tech talent
Industry Professionals
Mentor participants or judge submissions
36 hours.
Real problems.
Spots are limited for in-person participation.
Online participation open Australia-wide.