Media releases

Year 11 and 12 students in Ballarat, Berwick, Gippsland, and Brisbane can put their business and tech skills to the test in a virtual hackathon for the chance to secure a scholarship to study Australia’s first degree in Cognitive Enterprise at Federation University Australia.

As part of the online event, students curious about disruptive technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain, will work in teams to solve business problems in a creative and innovative way.

They will be mentored by staff from global technology company IBM, Federation Business School lecturers and other industry experts to come up with business ideas using these new technologies.

Students will pitch their ideas at the end of the day and the winning team of up to four members will each receive a $3000 scholarship for their first year of study in Federation University’s new Bachelor of Cognitive Enterprise degree in 2022 or 2023, should they enrol in the program.

A Cognitive Enterprise is a business that uses disruptive technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), automation, blockchain technology (which supports cryptocurrency) and 5G to transform and innovate.

The degree, developed in collaboration with IBM focuses on how these disruptive technologies can be used to innovate across all areas of business – from marketing, IT, management, banking and finance, to social and environmental sciences.

The Bachelor of Cognitive Enterprise can also be studied online.

Students will be able to gain real-world experience through internships and earn IBM Digital Badges (certifications) in blockchain technology and AI.

The hackathon will be held virtually on Thursday, 23 September from 10am-1.30pm

Students can register at: bit.ly/fedhackathon

Quotes attributable to Federation Business School Dean, Professor Christina Lee

“This hackathon is a great way for students to see if a degree in Cognitive Enterprise is for them. It’s hands on learning where students can actively use technology to solve problems and potentially secure a scholarship for their first year of university.”

“We want prospective students to know a degree in Cognitive Enterprise is more than an IT course. They will learn valuable skills in analysis and decision making, creativity and innovation, entrepreneurship, digital business and general management – skills essential for any business.”