Find the problem
Start with a genuine need in education, health, finance, sustainability, accessibility or a sponsor challenge.
BarkerHacks
Sydney's FIRST & LARGEST Interschool Hackathon
WhenLate September 2026
WhereBarker College, Sydney
FormatTwo days / Teams of 2-4
ScaleActively growing
01 / The eventTwo days.
Two days.
One shipped product.
Work with ambitious students from across NSW. Use modern AI tools to turn a meaningful idea into something people can actually use.
Build with AI
Use AI-assisted development to test ideas quickly, refine your solution and spend less time fighting syntax.
Get unstuck
Industry mentors and workshops help your team make sharper product and technical decisions.
Demo it live
Ship an end-to-end product, then tell its story to an industry judging panel and the room.
02 / The run of showFrom blank page
From blank page
to live demo.
Day01
- Registration & opening
- Sponsor talks
- Team formation
- Hacking begins
- Mentors on the floor
- Build from home
Day02
- Venue opens
- Final build session
- Submissions close
- Industry judging
- Live demos
- Awards
03 / Three paths to buildingOne founder.
One founder.
Three essential roles.
A startup needs someone who can build the product, decide what is worth building and take it to market. Master all three and one person can move from insight to product to customers — the foundation of a one-person company.
OutcomeOne-person
company
company
Research it. Build it. Launch it.
01Start with research
Product development
Find a real need, choose the smallest valuable solution and improve it through evidence rather than guesswork.
Explore this path ↗02Build the product
Technical engineer
Turn a product decision into reliable software with AI, systems thinking and a tight test-and-ship loop.
Explore this path ↗03Bring it to market
GTM
Position the product, reach the right people and turn attention into conversations, users and momentum.
Explore this path ↗You do not need to choose one identity forever. Learn each role, then use the right one at the right moment.
Open the learning library19schools currently attendingand growing across Sydney
Hornsby Girls
Sydney Technical High
St Vincent's College
Newington
Baulkham Hills
Chatswood High
James Ruse
Sydney Grammar
Penrith Selective
Girraween High
Sydney Boys
Homebush Boys
King's
Hurlstone Agricultural
North Sydney Girls
North Sydney Boys
Scots College
Westbourne College
Gosford High
04 / Event partnersBacked by
Backed by
people who build.
We are currently meeting with organisations that share our belief in ambitious students, practical AI education and ideas that become real products.
Conversations in progress
Sponsor names and identities will appear here once partnerships are confirmed.
06 / FAQ
Good questions.
01Do I need to know how to code?+
No. BarkerHacks rewards curiosity, clear thinking and useful ideas. AI tools, training and mentors will help you move from idea to working product.
02Who can participate?+
Students in Years 10-12 from schools across Sydney and NSW. You can register interest now, even if your school is not yet on our outreach list.
03Do I need a team?+
No. Teams will have 2-4 students, and there will be time to meet people and form a team on Day One.
04What can we build?+
Software, hardware, games and web apps are all welcome. Your project should respond to a real challenge and be ready to demonstrate live.
05How long is the event?+
Two days in late September 2026, with 30-40 hours of maximum build time including optional work from home overnight.
06Where is BarkerHacks?+
At Barker College's Rosewood and Gamson Centres in Hornsby, Sydney.
07What should I bring?+
Bring a laptop, charger and your willingness to make something. Detailed equipment, supervision and attendance information will be sent before the event.
08How are projects judged?+
An industry panel will assess how well each team understands a genuine problem, designs a thoughtful solution, ships a working product and communicates its vision.