At CanHack 2026, we ensure a fair and rigorous evaluation process by assembling a distinguished panel of judges from both industry and academia. Our judging panel comprises experts with deep domain knowledge and proven experience in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship.
We carefully select professionals who specialize in our hackathon themes including AI for Society, Generative AI & Creative Computing, Cybersecurity & Digital Trust, HealthTech & BioInspired Innovation, Smart Mobility & Autonomous Systems, and FinTech & Digital Commerce.
Who Are Our Judges?
Industry Leaders
Professionals from top tech companies, cybersecurity firms, AI startups, HealthTech innovators, and FinTech pioneers.
Academic Experts
Researchers and professors from University of Canberra and partner institutions specializing in AI, cybersecurity, generative computing, biomedical innovation, and data science.
Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
Specialists in emerging technologies including machine learning, creative computing, digital trust, autonomous systems, and blockchain.
Investors & Entrepreneurs
Visionaries from venture capital firms and successful startups who understand market trends and technology commercialization.
Selection Criteria for Judges
Expertise & Domain Knowledge
- Must have significant experience in one or more hackathon themes: AI for Society, Generative AI, Cybersecurity, HealthTech, Smart Mobility, or FinTech.
- Should have a strong background in technology innovation, software development, or research.
- Demonstrated expertise in evaluating technical solutions and their real-world applications.
Industry & Academic Recognition
- Senior professionals from reputed technology organizations, research labs, or innovative startups.
- Professors or researchers with published work in AI, security, HealthTech, FinTech, or related fields.
- Recipients of industry awards or recognition for technical excellence.
Experience in Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- Must have worked on groundbreaking projects, patents, or technology ventures.
- Experience in evaluating technical projects, hackathons, or innovation challenges.
- Understanding of both technical feasibility and business viability.
Fairness & Impartiality
- Must demonstrate integrity and the ability to provide unbiased evaluations.
- Should not have direct affiliations with participating teams or sponsor conflicts.
- Commitment to evaluating projects based on merit, innovation, and impact.
Commitment to the Judging Process
- Ability to review technical projects and provide constructive feedback to participants.
- Availability during the hackathon judging period (January 17-18, 2026).
- Willingness to mentor and guide participants during the event.
How We Appoint Judges
Invitation & Nomination
We invite experienced professionals from our network and accept nominations from the tech community based on expertise and merit.
Expert Panel Review
The CanHack organizing committee evaluates candidates to ensure a balanced panel with diverse technical expertise.
Conflict of Interest Check
Judges must disclose any affiliations with participating teams, sponsors, or competing interests.
Final Confirmation
Appointed judges receive detailed evaluation guidelines and participate in a pre-event orientation session.
Meet Our Judges
Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for updates on our esteemed judging panel who will evaluate projects in AI for Society, Generative AI, Cybersecurity, HealthTech, Smart Mobility, FinTech, and more!
For nomination inquiries or to recommend a judge, please contact
contact@theioes.org