Digital Government Services
Build tools to improve accessibility and delivery of government services.
Hackathon · DTS 2026
The National Innovation Hackathon.
The National Innovation Hackathon is PNG's premier technology competition, challenging teams to build solutions that address real national challenges.
K 50,000
Total prize pool
30
Shortlisted teams
3
Challenge tracks
72h
Build window
12+
Agency challenge owners
100%
Path to procurement
How it works
From application to deployment.
01
Apply
Teams of 3–5 register with a problem area and a 1-page concept.
Aug – Sep 2026
02
Shortlist
30 teams selected by panel of judges from agency partners.
Oct 2026
03
Build
72-hour intensive at the summit Innovation Lab.
Wed 22 Jul
04
Demo Day
Live demos to ministers, partners, and press. Awards announced.
Thu 23 Jul
Challenges
Real problems set by line agencies.
Rural Connectivity Solutions
Design innovative approaches to extend internet access to remote communities.
FinTech for the Unbanked
Create financial technology solutions for people without traditional banking access.
Key dates
Mark your calendar.
01
1 Jul 2026
Registration opens
02
15 Jul 2026
Registration closes
03
22 Jul 2026
Hackathon kickoff (Day 3)
04
23 Jul 2026
Demo Day (Day 4)
Prize breakdown
Rewarding the best solutions.
1st
Champion
K 50,000
Cash prize + pathway to government procurement pilot.
2nd
Runner-Up
To be announced
Cash prize + pathway to government procurement pilot.
3rd
Third Place
To be announced
Cash prize + pathway to government procurement pilot.
Eligibility
Who can apply.
- PNG citizens or residents
- Teams of 2–5 members
- At least one technical member per team
- Open to all skill levels
Ready to build?
Register your team interest.
Hackathon applications open in August. Add your team to the early-notice list.