How to apply

Jump to:

• Applying step-by-step
• After you apply
• Who's eligible

Applying step-by-step

Step 1: Register your interest from 8 September 2025

Complete our form to register your interest in joining the Imperial Hackathon Hong Kong 2025. 

Register your interest

Audience members and guests can also use this form to register for a free spot at the Imperial Hackathon Hong Kong 2025 grand finale on Saturday 22 November at the Hong Kong Science & Technology Park. 

Step 2: Choose your challenge

Pick one of our four challenges to tackle in the Hackathon in Hong Kong.  

View the 2025 challenges

We’ll hold an online briefing in early October where you can learn more about the challenges, meet our judges and receive guidance on finding teammates. 

Step 3: Form your team

Your team can include between four and five members who should be from your school.  

For safeguarding, you’ll also need an adult, like a parent or a teacher from your school, to join your team. Each school can enter a maximum of three teams.

With your team, you should choose a role for each member:

• Team Lead/Project Lead
• Designer/Developer
• Research and Communications Specialist
• Electronics and Hardware Specialist

We recommend finalising your team name and choosing your challenge as early as possible to give you more time to prepare your team application. 
 
Check our guidance for more information about forming your team.

Step 4: Submit your team application by 24 October 2025

• Team applications open: 1 October 2025
• Team applications close: 24 October 2025

This is your chance to pitch your response to your chosen challenge and tell us about the scientific principles behind it.  

Your submission must include a 150-word proposal, plus a 3-to-5-minute video pitch.  

You’ll need to include details of your team’s name, its members and their roles in your proposal.

Application is free for all participants.

After you apply

Step 1: Our expert panel reviews your proposal

Our panel of industry leaders and Imperial academics will review and shortlist all the submissions. Shortlisted finalists will be invited to pitch in-person at the Hackathon grand finale in November.

Finalists also get dedicated mentoring and resources to help develop prototypes and prepare for the in-person pitch event. 

Step 2: Join us at the grand finale on 22 November 2025

Our Hackathon finalists pitch their ideas in person to our panel of judges at the grand finale at Hong Kong Science & Technology Park. There are big prizes for the top three teams and winners of our nine special award categories. 

Step 3: Celebrate your achievements

Winning teams will be awarded certificates and prizes, but everyone who takes part will be recognised for their contribution to the Imperial Hackathon at our grand finale.

What’s more, all participants will gain valuable experience and develop skills that could support your university applications or open up opportunities to take your innovative ideas further. 

Who's eligible

The Imperial Hackathon Hong Kong 2025 is open to students enrolled in schools in Hong Kong. 

Your team

All the members of your team must be enrolled in Grade 10 or higher at the same school or branch in Hong Kong.  

Your team should include between four and five student members, plus at least one adult, such as a parent or a supervising school staff member for safeguarding purposes.

Each school can enter a maximum of three teams.

We encourage participating schools to support and chaperone their Hackathon teams throughout the competition.

English proficiency  

Everyone in your team must be comfortable communicating and presenting in English.