GS1 Hong Kong has opened applications for the IOT Data Hackathon 2027, the fourth edition of the event following three years of participation and industry engagement. The Hackathon is organised by GS1 Hong Kong in collaboration with Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited and The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, and is supported by the Digital Policy Office.

The programme invites tertiary students, innovators and entrepreneurs to transform IoT data, open data and alternative data into practical solutions for real business and societal challenges. Applications are open until 20 December 2026, and participation is completely free.

Real Data, Real Challenges

According to the organisers, the Hackathon is not a theoretical exercise. Participants take on challenge statements from leading companies, and shortlisted teams get access to challenge providers' datasets so they can build solutions on the data businesses actually use. Participants also gain hands-on experience in data analytics, AI and problem-solving.

Teams choose one challenge under one of two themes:

  • Data for Business: building solutions for commercial innovation and efficiency, with examples including Connected Commerce, Intelligent Supply Chains, Smart Operations and Data-Driven Logistics.
  • Data for Good: improving quality of life, strengthening community resilience and accelerating sustainable development, with examples including Smart Living, Health & Wellbeing, Urban Intelligence and a Greener Tomorrow (ESG).
“Data is no longer just a business asset — it is a catalyst for innovation, resilience and meaningful change,” said Anna Lin, Chief Executive of GS1 Hong Kong. "Through the IOT Data Hackathon, we aim to bring together Hong Kong's brightest minds to solve real-world challenges, connect with industry leaders, and turn ideas into solutions that can create measurable impact for businesses, communities and society."

A Launchpad for Ideas, Careers and Business

The Hackathon is designed not only as a competition but as a platform for learning, collaboration and growth. Participants gain access to expert mentorship, workshops, industry feedback, networking opportunities and potential career or incubation pathways.

The 2026 edition attracted more than 160 participating teams, supported by 13 distinguished judges, 26 expert mentors, more than 50 partners, sponsors and supporting organisations, more than 10 workshops and activities, and more than 35 internship opportunities, according to the organisers.

Beyond the competition, participants will:

  • Learn data, AI and problem-solving skills by working on real-world challenges
  • Be mentored by industry and technology experts and receive feedback
  • Build connections with industry leaders, tech experts, fellow innovators and potential employers
  • Gain exposure and recognition while building a professional profile
  • Access fast-track routes to incubation and internship opportunities

Who Can Join

The Hackathon has two streams:

  • Student Stream: for teams whose members are currently enrolled in tertiary institutions, with at least one member studying at a Hong Kong tertiary institution.
  • Professional Stream: open to start-ups, entrepreneurs and business professionals, with at least one team member who is a Hong Kong resident or employed by a Hong Kong company.

Each team may include up to six members, and each participant may join only one team.

Timeline at a Glance

Application Deadline
20

20 December 2026

Kick-off Briefing
8

8 January 2027 (Tentative)

Initial Proposal Submission
15

15 February 2027

Hack Day & Pitch Day
20

20 & 21 March 2027

Participants who register by the application deadline and submit a proposal by the initial submission deadline will receive a Certificate of Participation.

About the Organiser

GS1 Hong Kong was founded by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce in 1989 and is the local chapter of GS1, a not-for-profit global organisation that develops standards-based solutions for data exchange challenges. Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, GS1 has more than 120 national chapters serving 150 economies globally.

GS1 HK says it aims to empower industry digital transformation by enabling businesses to improve efficiency, safety, authenticity and sustainability through platforms, solutions and services based on global standards. It describes itself as dedicated to building a collaborative IoT ecosystem in Hong Kong and as a bridge between ICT solution providers, users, government and other stakeholders. GS1 HK currently supports over 8,000 corporate members across sectors including retail and consumer packaged goods, healthcare, food and beverage and food services, apparel and footwear, and transport and logistics.