2025 PRIZEGIVING

WHEN & WHERE

This event took place on Friday OCTOBER 31 2025.

WHAT HAPPENED

The event opened with a short networking session, followed by short remarks from our organising committee, Dean of Engineering at UNSW Prof. Julien Epps, and from our sponsor M&C Saatchi World Services.

Then, each of our four finalist teams presented how they approached the competition challenge to our panel of 3 judges, who had the opportunity to ask questions after each presentation. Each team had 7 minutes to present, followed by 5 minutes of Q&A.

Following this, there was a break during which the judges deliberated to order the teams from 1st to 3rd place (equal). This was then followed by remarks from Prof. Debi Ashenden, Director of the UNSW Institute for Cyber Security, as well as our sponsor Day of AI Australia.

Finally, we announced the winners and awarded prizes to the teams.

We concluded with a networking session with canapés and a selection of drinks.

PRIZES

  • First Place: $5,000 AUD - won by Team CtN_QUT
  • Second Place: $2,500 AUD - won by Team 3K+J+L
  • Third Place (equal): $1,500 AUD - won by Team chatisthisreal
  • Third Place (equal): $1,500 AUD - won by Team Trust Me Bro
  • “Real-World Engagement Award”: $500 AUD - won by Team Infinite Monkey Theorem

All finalist teams received a certificate of achievement as well as an evening’s hotel accommodation in Sydney on the night of 31 October 2025 to attend the prizegiving event. Teams located outside of Sydney were also offered economy-class return flights to Sydney for the prizegiving event.

JUDGES

Judge 1: Jonathon Tindale

Jonathon Tindale is the Director of Digital Transformation at M&C Saatchi World Services, where he leads the development of new and emerging capabilities in OSINT, data science, and digital infrastructure, with a particular focus on the defence of critical systems. His recent work includes a defence-funded grant initiative that applies predictive modelling to enhance media deterrence. Despite his background in technology, Jonathon prefers to steer clear of social media; joking that he may know it a little too well.

Judge 2: Natasha Banks

Natasha Banks is the Program Director for Day of AI Australia, where she leads a free national program that builds AI literacy and ethical awareness among school students and teachers. With a background in media, digital innovation, and community development, Tash is passionate about collaboration, inclusion, and preparing young people for an AI-driven world.

Judge 3: Min Livanidis

Min Livanidis is a Chief Security Advisor at Microsoft and a Non-Executive Director of both the Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre (Aus3C) and the Oceania Cyber Security Centre (OCSC). She also serves as Industry Professor at Deakin University. Previously, Min led AWS public policy for cybersecurity and data in Australia and New Zealand.