We're looking for students who build beyond the classroom.
People who are curious, technically resourceful, and have demonstrated that they can turn ideas into things.
You don't need to be an expert programmer or have formal credentials. You should have experience building something independently, whether that's software, AI, robotics, hardware, a startup, research, creative technology, or another technical project.
BarkerHacks is designed to bring some of Sydney's strongest young builders into the same room and see what they can create together.
- Something you built
Software, AI, robotics, hardware, a startup, research or creative technology.
- Built independently
Beyond what school asked of you. Taught yourself, experimented, shipped.
- In a team of two
Nominate a teammate or be matched with another builder before the event.
- No résumé required
No particular language, qualification or competition background needed.
AI has lowered the barrier between having an idea and being able to build it.
High school students are increasingly using the same tools as professional developers and startup founders, yet there are very few serious hackathons in Sydney designed specifically for high school students to put those capabilities into practice.
BarkerHacks exists to change that. For one day, we're bringing strong young builders from different schools into the same room, giving them professional-grade tools, and seeing what they can create.
The day is deliberately short. Taking an idea to something that actually works, and shipping it, in a single day is a different skill to building slowly — and it's one school rarely asks for.
It's also about who you meet. Building under time pressure tells you quickly who you enjoy working with and who you work well with. For a lot of participants, the people in that room are the ones they'll build with next.
One day. In person. Free.
Wednesday 4 November 2026 at the Barker College Robotics Centre, 1 Carden Ave, Wahroonga.
- Doors 7:00 am · Hackathon 8:00 am · Concludes 8:30 pm
A full in-person build day.
- Free to attend
Teams of 2 students. AI permitted and encouraged.
- Bring your own laptop and charger
Everything else is provided on the day.
From an idea to something real, in one day.
The emphasis is on building, not sitting through talks. AI tools are available throughout, and mentors and other builders are in the room all day.
- Arrival + briefing
Teams arrive, receive the challenge and the event briefing.
- Build · 10 h 15 m
An intensive build period with AI tools, mentors and other builders on hand.
- Record + upload 3-min demo
Each team submits a 3-minute video: what you created, the problem it addresses, how it works.
- Judges review each track in parallel
- 3 track winners pitch live
- Judges decide overall winner
- Awards + closing
- Photos / buffer
Built with AI, not without it.
Software, AI applications, websites, agents, tools, prototypes and other technology projects are all welcome where they fit the challenge.
You don't need to arrive with a finished idea, and you are not expected to build a polished startup in twelve hours. The goal is to show that you can identify a problem, work effectively with your teammate, use the tools available to you and turn an idea into a functioning prototype.
Projects should be built during BarkerHacks. You may use existing libraries, tools, APIs and reusable components, but judging focuses on what your team creates during the event.
- ChatGPT Pro subscription
Provided to each team.
- OpenAI API credits
Provided to each team.
- Additional event tooling
Announced before the hackathon. You may also use your own tools.
Under 18s from Sydney high schools.
BarkerHacks is not an introductory coding workshop. We're looking for students who already demonstrate initiative through things they've built, experimented with, researched, or taught themselves.
You don't need a particular programming language, qualification or competition background. We're looking for evidence that you're a strong, self-directed builder, not your school, grades, or résumé.
- Teams of two
You may nominate someone you'd like to work with. Both students must submit their own application.
- No teammate yet? Still apply.
Successful applicants without a nominated teammate are matched with another participant before the event.
- Nominations are not a guarantee
Both applicants are assessed individually.
Assessed on evidence. Nothing else.
Places at BarkerHacks are limited, and applications are reviewed based on the information submitted in the form.
Applications are assessed on their overall evidence against the five criteria. Previous hackathon experience is not required.
We do not select based on school, academic marks, formal qualifications, or whether you already know the organisers.
An application, not a confirmation.
Selected applicants receive an acceptance email with further information. Please provide an email address you check regularly.
- Applications close · Friday 9 October, 11:59 pm
- Applicants notified · Monday 12 October
- Confirm your place by · Friday 16 October
The acceptance email covers:
Participants under 18 require parent/guardian consent to attend. Consent information is provided to successful applicants. Further updates are published at barkerhacks.org.
Build something real. In one day.
BarkerHacks 2026 · 4 November · Barker College Robotics Centre · Sydney.
- 1Submit your own application. Nominate a teammate if you have one.
- 2Applications close 11:59 pm, Friday 9 October 2026.
- 3Applicants notified Monday 12 October.
- 4Confirm your place by Friday 16 October.
What do I need to do before the event?
Confirm your place by Friday 16 October, then read the acceptance email. It covers your team, what to bring, and the consent form if you are under 18.
DM the organisers on LinkedIn with your OpenAI organisation ID so your Codex account can be upgraded before the day. Bring a laptop and charger.
How do I pick my track?
There are three tracks, explained at the morning briefing. Your team chooses one in the team portal when you enter your team name. Judges review each track separately, and the three track winners pitch live for the overall prize.
How does team formation work?
Teams are pairs. Nominate a teammate on the application form, or apply alone and be matched with another builder. The organisers set the teams before the day and register them for you.
On the day, open the team portal, find the box with your name in it, pick a team name and choose a role: builder or pitcher. One person can be both.
How do I connect to the WiFi?
Event WiFi is provided. The network name and password are revealed at the briefing on the day.
How do I get free Codex?
You should already have sent your OpenAI organisation ID to the organisers, and they will have upgraded your account. If you have not, DM them on LinkedIn before the day.
How do I submit?
Through the team portal. You will get the link and your code closer to the event. It stays locked until the event starts. Once your team has a name, fill in your pitch: app name, tagline, who it is for, the problem, the solution, your mission statement and the value or impact. Fill the fields in once, then refine them through the day.
Paste the link to your live site and your 3-minute demo video in the same place. Submissions lock at 6:45 pm. Judges watch your demo, then read your one-page pitch alongside the live site.
Ready to build? Apply for a place.
Free. Teams of two. Wednesday 4 November 2026 at Barker College. Applications close 11:59 pm, Friday 9 October.