Vic Gov Innovation Hackathon 2026
Jul 1 - Jul 2

The Vic Gov Innovation Hackathon 2026 brings VPS staff together to tackle real cross-agency service and workflow challenges over two energising days at State Library Victoria’s Conversation Quarter. 

Hosted by SLV LAB and delivered in partnership by the Department of Government Service, the Victorian Public Sector Commission and Cenitex, this hackathon is an opportunity to connect with colleagues across government, build innovation capability, and help shape ideas that could progress through existing implementation pathways.  

Over two days, participants work in diverse teams to explore challenge statements, develop ideas and pitch solutions to a judging panel. Selected ideas may move forward for further development and implementation consideration. 

Register your interest via the Innovation Network. 

What is a Hackathon? 

A hackathon is a fast-paced, collaborative problem-solving experience that brings together people with different skills, perspectives and experience to develop ideas in response to a shared challenge. In this case, teams will work over two days to generate practical, validated ideas for public sector challenges. 

About Vic Gov Innovation Hackathon 2026 

Vic Gov Innovation Hackathon 2026 convenes participants from across the Victorian Public Service to work on a small number of cross-agency challenges focused on service and workflow improvement. Teams will ideate, test and refine solutions, then present a three-minute pitch to a judging panel at the conclusion of the event. 

This year’s hackathon will focus on three challenge areas: 

• Simplifying workflows, processes and systems 
• Building capability and skills  
• Increasing cross-agency collaboration 

Teams will be allocated by the organisers based on themes and roles. Participants are required to attend one online briefing session prior to the event, followed by two in-person hackathon days in Melbourne CBD. Teams will work together on a challenge statement, supported by coaches, and present their final concept as a three-minute pitch to judges. 

Who should register? 

Expressions of interest are open to Victorian Government employees via the Innovation Network. Places are limited, and submitting a registration does not guarantee a place on a team. Participants must be available to attend the full two-day in-person event. 

No technical background is required. The hackathon is open to people with diverse skills, knowledge and experience who are interested in problem-solving, innovation and new ways of working. 

Key dates 

• 4 May – 12 June 2026: Registrations open to join a team 
• 15 June 2026: Teams, judges, coaches and participants announced 
• 22 June 2026: Online briefing session 
• 1–2 July 2026: Event takes place in Conversation Quarter, State Library Victoria (9am–5pm both days)   
• 2 July 2026: Solution presentations 

Why take part? 

Participating in the hackathon is an opportunity to 

• collaborate with colleagues from across the VPS 
• contribute to solving real cross-agency challenges 
• build innovation, teamwork and problem-solving skills  
• deepen your understanding of service and workflow improvement 
• help shape ideas that may progress through existing implementation pathways 

Ready to join the challenge? Register your interest via the Innovation Network. 

Check out the highlights of previous Hackathons. 

• Spark Vision Hackathon 2024 - finale 
• Hackathon 2025 
• Hackathon 2025 - winners announced 

Read the event FAQs and Terms and Conditions.