Innovation Central Adelaide went to MasterTech: National Hackathon Met Global Stage
Innovation Central Adelaide (ICA), a collaboration between Flinders University and Cisco, sent a powerhouse trio of computer science and engineering students to Melbourne in November to compete in MasterTech, a national hackathon hosted at Cisco Live. It was like MasterChef, but for coders and creators, where the secret ingredients were cutting‑edge tech and sustainability.
The Challenge: Reimagining the Sustainable Store of the Future
Sponsored by Coles Group, the inaugural MasterTech challenge tasked student teams from across the country with designing technology‑driven solutions for a sustainable retail future. Participants dived deep into Coles’ vision for next‑generation stores, developing prototypes that could transform the way Australians shop, interact, and conserve resources.
The stakes were high. Winning teams earned the chance to collaborate directly with Coles Group on further developing and potentially commercialising their solutions, in partnership with their Innovation Centre and university.
ICA’s Dream Team
Representing ICA, the South Australian student team included:
- Alistair Macvicar – Bachelor of Computer Science
- Zechariah Wicks – Bachelor of Software Engineering / Networks and Cybersecurity (Hons)
- Charles de Jong – Bachelor of Information (Networks and Cybersecurity)
These students brought creativity, technical excellence, and problem‑solving prowess to one of the country’s most visible tech stages.
Cisco Live: Where Innovation Met the Spotlight
Held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, Cisco Live was Cisco’s flagship annual event, attracting over 8,000 attendees in person and more than a million viewers online. With representation from C‑suite executives, IT professionals, industry leaders, and global media, including coverage by outlets such as the Australian Financial Review and Sunrise, the five‑day hackathon placed ICA’s team and their prototype in front of a truly global audience.
There were live crosses from the hackathon, spotlights on innovation, and live blogging from ICA across the event. Sharing this content boosted both visibility and inspiration.
ICA and the National Industry Innovation Network
ICA’s participation was part of a larger movement led by the National Industry Innovation Network (NIIN), launched in 2020 and by then entering its third year at Cisco Live. The NIIN connected universities and industry partners to accelerate collaborative research and innovation across Australia.
That year, over 50 NIIN representatives contributed to keynotes, innovation summits, and the World of Solutions stand, showcasing groundbreaking projects from Cisco’s Research Chair programs and its specialised Innovation Centres. ICA’s contribution aligned with its broader mission to foster real‑world impact through university‑industry partnerships.
Flinders University’s involvement spanned multiple fronts, including the Cisco Chair in Digital Health (Professor Trish Williams) and the Cisco NetAcademy, reinforcing the strong collaborative ties between education and enterprise.
Stay Connected
To learn more about ICA’s journey at MasterTech or to follow coverage from Cisco Live:
Program Director: Dr Kathryn Anderson (she/her)
Email: kathryn.anderson@flinders.edu.au
Phone: 08 8432 4759 (redirected to mobile as needed)
Follow ICA: Innovation Central Adelaide on LinkedIn
