Join us in T1 during the O-week stall to play games, win prizes, and take a gift hamper for your membership
Hours.Secure the Grid.Protect What Matters.
A 36-hour hackathon focused on securing critical infrastructure — power grids, healthcare, transport, water systems, and emergency services.March 28-29, 2026
What is ACUCys Hackathon?
ACUCys Hackathon 2026 is a 36-hour hackathon bringing together students from universities across Australia to build solutions that protect the systems we all depend on.
A collaboration between DSEC and ACUCys — whether you're a developer, a security enthusiast, or just getting started, this is your event.
In-person participation in Melbourne Docklands. Online participation open Australia-wide via Discord.
name: "ACUCys Hackathon 2026"theme: "Securing Critical Infrastructure"sectors: ["power grids", "healthcare", "transport", "water", "emergency"]duration: 36 // hoursteams: { min: 1, max: 4, solo: true }venue: "Natural Velocity, Docklands"online: "Discord — Australia-wide"orgs: ["DSEC", "ACUCys"]Everything You Need to Know
Mark your calendar and prepare for 36 hours of innovation, collaboration, and code.
Prizes
All other participants receive a custom participation certificate. Student membership proof only required if you win a prize.
Melbourne In-Person Venue
In-person attendees will hack at Natural Velocity, Star Cres, Docklands. A bonus co-working space for Victorian participants.
Online Participation
Everything runs online via Discord. The Melbourne space is a bonus for VIC participants — all judging, mentorship, and support happens online.
Live Support for 36 Hours
Mentors and judges are available in voice chat and support channels throughout the entire event. You're never on your own.
You don't need to be an expert.
This hackathon is designed for anyone who wants to learn by doing. Whether you've been coding for years or just started — beginners and high school students welcome.
Teams of 1-4 members. Solo participants are welcome — we'll help you find teammates before the event.
Software Engineering Students
Build dashboards, monitoring tools, and security applications.
Cybersecurity Students
Apply your security knowledge to protect real-world systems.
Developers & Makers
Ship working prototypes — web apps, software, or hardware.
Portfolio Builders
Walk away with a portfolio-ready project 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 throughout the entire 36-hour event.
Securing Critical Infrastructure
Power grids, healthcare systems, transport networks, water treatment, emergency services — build solutions that protect the systems society depends on.
Event Timeline
Project Types
Web Apps
Dashboards, monitoring tools, simulations, alert systems.
Software
Working prototypes and functional demos.
Hardware
Physical builds, demonstrated via video.
Presentation
Accepted, but scores 0 on Technical Execution & Functional MVP.
Judging Criteria
6 equally weighted criteria
Creativity & Innovation
Original thinking and novel approaches to infrastructure security challenges.
Technical Execution
Code quality, architecture decisions, and implementation depth.
Functional MVP
A working prototype that demonstrates core functionality.
Problem-Solving & Relevance
How well the solution addresses a real critical infrastructure problem.
Impact & Potential
Real-world applicability and potential to make a difference.
Final Pitch Video
Clear communication of the problem, solution, and value proposition.
Required
- Video presentation (clear audio, no webcam needed)
- Project summary
- Team members listed
Optional
- Slide deck
- Code repositories
- Supporting materials
Example Project Ideas
Water Treatment Plant Monitor
Real-time dashboard for detecting anomalies in water treatment SCADA systems.
Ambulance RF Shield
Tool to detect and alert on RF interference targeting emergency vehicle communications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We've got answers.
Everything runs online via Discord. The Melbourne Docklands space at Natural Velocity is a bonus for Victorian participants who want to hack in person — but all judging, mentorship, and support happens online. You can participate fully from anywhere in Australia.
No. You can register solo or form a team of up to 4 members. We'll have team formation activities and a Discord channel to help you find teammates before the event.
All levels welcome — beginners and high school students included. If you're willing to learn and build, you belong here. Mentors will be available throughout the entire 36-hour event.
No. Your video presentation just needs clear audio. No webcam required — screen recordings, slide walkthroughs, or demo videos all work.
Presentation-only submissions are accepted but will score zero on Technical Execution and Functional MVP criteria. We strongly encourage building something, even a basic prototype.
Yes. Free to participate. No entry fee, no hidden costs. Student membership proof is only required if you win a prize.
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 on Saturday 9AM.
Any technology you want. Web apps, software tools, hardware builds — the challenge is flexible enough to accommodate various approaches. Use tools and languages you're comfortable with, or experiment with something new.
Still have questions?
DSEC
Deakin Software Engineering Club
ACUCys
Australian University Cybersecurity Network
Made possible with support from these organisations.
DUCA
Deakin University Cybersecurity Association
Natural Velocity
Co-working & Venue Partner
Deakin Cyber
Deakin Cyber Research & Innovation Centre
TapCraft
Prize Partner
36 hours.
Critical infrastructure.
In-person spots limited at Natural Velocity, Docklands.
Online participation open Australia-wide.