APCTT Hackathon

Connecting emerging innovations with technology-transfer opportunities

The APCTT Hackathons provide a challenge-driven platform for young innovators, researchers, students, start-ups and technology developers to address practical development challenges through emerging technologies.

Many promising early-stage solutions—particularly those developed by young innovators and start-ups—have limited opportunities to engage with government agencies, technology-transfer institutions, investors and other stakeholders. The Hackathons complement APCTT’s government-led programmes by creating a direct channel through which emerging innovators can demonstrate their solutions, receive expert inputs and explore opportunities for further development, transfer and application.

Each Hackathon focuses on a priority technology or development challenge relevant to Asia and the Pacific. Participants are invited to develop practical solutions, validate their ideas and present their work to experts and regional stakeholders. Depending on the theme, the programme may include national qualifying rounds, technical orientation, mentoring, solution development and a regional final.

Objectives

The APCTT Hackathons aim to:

• identify promising technology-based solutions developed by young innovators and early-stage teams;
• encourage the practical application of emerging technologies to sustainable-development challenges;
• strengthen connections among innovators, policymakers, research institutions, industry and technology-transfer organizations;
• improve the visibility of early-stage innovations and create opportunities for further development, partnership and scale-up; and
• promote regional knowledge exchange and collaboration across Asia and the Pacific.

Supporting innovation beyond the competition

The Hackathons are intended to serve as more than stand-alone competitions. They help bring promising solutions into regional technology-transfer discussions, connect innovators with relevant institutions and stakeholders, and identify potential pathways for technical review, partnership, further development and deployment.

Through successive thematic editions, the APCTT Hackathons will continue to support inclusive innovation and strengthen the contribution of emerging technologies to sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific.