EnergyLab Brisbane Smart Buildings Hackathon

Smart buildings integrated with the electricity grid will play a pivotal role in the clean energy transition. The buildings of the future will automate their energy use to drive efficiency and balance out renewables, generate and store their own energy, and charge the growing fleet of electric vehicles. At this hackathon, we'll explore startup ideas that can accelerate the uptake of these new smart building and clean energy solutions.

This two-day event will bring people together to brainstorm, refine and pitch startup ideas related to smart buildings and clean energy. Throughout the event you will receive mentorship and training from industry experts to help develop your startup idea and food and drink to keep you going. If the judges think your idea has potential you will receive prizes designed to help you launch a successful startup.  

EnergyLab strives for equality, inclusivity and accessibility at all our events and we encourage all people to participate. No sector knowledge is required and there is no need to write software or building anything (although you're welcome to); all you need to do is come up and pitch a startup idea. If you have any concerns about attending this event, or the ticket price is a barrier to your attendance, please email events@energylab.org.au.

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How it works

Not sure what a hackathon is? Not to worry, here's a high-level overview of what will happen during the event:

1. Inspiration: We'll kick off with a couple quick presentations about problems you might consider solving.

2. Team forming: You can register as a team if you want, but if you're missing a team member or registering as an individual then we'll help you find teammates. 

3. Ideation: Once teams are formed the brainstorming begins! Come up with a bunch of ideas and pick the one you want to work on for the rest of the hackathon.  

4. Developing: We'll leave lots of time for you to develop your ideas, do some customer research if possible, and prepare your presentation. 

5. Presenting: Each team will present to a panel of judges, who will pick the winning teams. 

6. Celebrating: Unwind and celebrate what you've achieved in less than 24hrs over a drink and something to eat.

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What's included

Your ticket includes all the sustenance and support you'll need to have a fun and fruitful 24hrs.

1. Meals. We'll provide dinner on Friday, breakfast and lunch on Saturday, snacks throughout, and drinks on both evenings.  
   

2. Mentorship. One-on-one time with experienced mentors from a variety of disciplines.
   

3. Workshops: We'll run two workshops to help you refine your business idea and develop a killer pitch deck.

4. Network. The opportunity to meet other entrepreneurial people like yourself who are interested in tackling important challenges. 

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Timing

Friday

• 5:30pm: Arrive, have something to drink and eat, and start to get to know your fellow participants

• 6:00pm: Presentations to provide inspiration, resources and information on what the next 24 hours will entail

• 7:30pm: Dinner, team formation, and team registration

• 8:30pm: Go home and rest (or work if you really want to)

Saturday

• 8:00am: Doors open and breakfast served

• Work in your teams with help from some mentors

• 12:30pm: Lunch served

• Optional presentation practice

• 4:45pm: Submissions due

• 5:00pm: 5-minute presentation by each team followed by questions from the judges

• 6:00pm: Drinks to celebrate all you've achieved in 24 hours with winners announced by 7:00pm

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Frequently asks questions (FAQs)

Can I still participate if I don't have an idea?

You can! We'll help your team find something interesting to work on. 

Do I have to build something?

Nope. The purpose of EnergyLab's hackathons is to come up with, refine and pitch a startup idea (which we'll help you do). There is no need to write software or building anything.

Can I build something?

If you want! It's not mandatory but building something in the short amount of time this event affords is sure to impress the judges.

How many people are allowed in a team?

Teams must contain 2, 3 or 4 people. Teams with 5 or more people in them must break into two or more smaller teams. Individuals can't compete but we will help you find at least one other person to form a team with (see below).

I already have teammates, can I just participate with them?

Yes! As long as you have at least one other person on your team (and your team doesn't have more than four people in it).

I don't know anyone else attending, how will I form a team? 

We have your back! We have built in a number of ways for you to meet other people in the same boat and will help you form a team with people you want to spend Saturday with. Friday night will start off with some casual networking over drinks. During the presentations, everyone will introduce themselves so you know who else is looking for team members. During dinner, the organiser will help match individuals together and make sure no one is left out. If you have any questions or concerns please send an email to events@energylab.org.au.

Can I still participate if I don't have an idea?

You can! We'll help your team find something interesting to work on. 

Do I have to spend the entire time at the venue?

Nope, but we would encourage you to. It's a great venue and we'll provide a constant stream of food and drink. However, if you would be more comfortable elsewhere or have other commitments then you're free to come and go. Please just be back in time for the presentations on Saturday.

Who typically attends hackathons?

EnergyLab's hackathons attract a more diverse audience than most. While some hackathons cater to a younger crowd, we are careful to make sure our hackathons are welcoming to adults of all ages. We typically have a good mix of university students, young professionals and professionals with 10-20 years of experience up their sleeve. As long as you're at least 18 years old, you should feel welcome at our hackathons. 

I have another question, who can I talk to? 

Send us an email at events@energylab.org.au.

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About EnergyLab

EnergyLab is Australia’s leading platform for launching new energy businesses. Our integrated approach draws on the community of clean energy entrepreneurs and offers a range of ways to engage and leverage their ideas, technologies and resources. To read more about EnergyLab head to energylab.org.au.

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Want more?

If you would like to receive invitations to other events EnergyLab organises in the future, please sign up to our mailing list.

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Volunteer for EnergyLab

EnergyLab is looking for volunteers to help run our events and programs. The EnergyLab Volunteer Program provides an opportunity for passionate and hard-working individuals to contribute to our work and be rewarded for doing so. Find out more and apply online.