Nov 8, 2024 Written by ICA

Innovation Central Adelaide Heads to MasterTech: National Hackathon Meets Global Stage

Innovation Central Adelaide (ICA), a collaboration between Flinders University and Cisco, is sending a powerhouse trio of computer science and engineering students to Melbourne this November to compete in MasterTech, a national hackathon hosted at Cisco Live. Think MasterChef, but for coders and creators, where the secret ingredients are cutting-edge tech and sustainability.

The Challenge: Reimagining the Sustainable Store of the Future

Sponsored by Coles Group, the inaugural MasterTech challenge tasks student teams from across the country with designing technology-driven solutions for a sustainable retail future. Participants will dive deep into Coles’ vision for next-generation stores, developing prototypes that could transform the way Australians shop, interact, and conserve resources.

The stakes are high, winning teams may earn the chance to collaborate directly with Coles Group on further developing and potentially commercialising their solutions, in partnership with their Innovation Centre and university.

Meet ICA’s Dream Team

Representing ICA, the South Australian student team includes:

  • 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 are set to bring creativity, technical excellence, and problem-solving prowess to one of the country’s most visible tech stages.

Cisco Live: Where Innovation Meets the Spotlight

Held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, Cisco Live is 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 potential coverage by outlets like the Australian Financial Review and Sunrise, the five-day hackathon will place ICA’s team and their prototype in front of a truly global audience.

Expect live crosses from the hackathon, spotlights on innovation, and live blogging from ICA across the event. Sharing this content will boost both visibility and inspiration.

ICA and the National Industry Innovation Network

ICA’s participation is part of a larger movement led by the National Industry Innovation Network (NIIN), launched in 2020 and now entering its third year at Cisco Live. The NIIN connects universities and industry partners to accelerate collaborative research and innovation across Australia.

This year, over 50 NIIN representatives will contribute 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 aligns with its broader mission to foster real-world impact through university-industry partnerships.

Flinders University’s involvement spans 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 live coverage from Cisco Live: