Next GenAI 2026 Hackathon

About the event

The City of Cockburn will host the Next GenAI Hackathon in March 2026, inviting Year 10 and 11 students from across the South-West Metropolitan area to engage in a one-day, team-based innovation challenge. Using generative AI tools like ChatGPT, students will tackle real-world problems aligned to the defence industry and blue economy. This structured event will build AI literacy, problem-solving and teamwork skills, and expose students to future-focused career pathways in their local community.

Senior high school students will compete using AI tools to explore, design and pitch a solution to real-world industry challenges like marine restoration and shipbuilding.  

The Hackathon is supported by mentors from the marine, manufacturing, and sustainability sectors, with prizes awarded to the winning teams.  

The details: 

Date: End of term 1, Thursday 26 March 2026  

Time: 9.15am -2.30pm 

Location: Cockburn Bowling and Recreation Club (BARC), Yangebup

Registration is restricted to invited schools and requires an access code. Only schools that have been issued a code are able to register via this link.
For enquiries, please contact Charisse Santiago, Senior Economic Development Officer, by email

Benefits to students: 

• Boost AI literacy and skills through a fun, team-based format 

• Connect with local industry to help solve real-world problems 

• Challenge students in critical and creative thinking, professional presentation skills and teamwork. 

Team requirements: 

• One teacher per team 

• Up to seven students per team/per school 

• Laptops for each student.