ANZ, Griffith University, and Google Cloud are bringing students, academics and industry experts together in Brisbane for a two-day hackathon focused on cybercrime, scams and financial fraud.
Running on 19 and 20 October, the event will see participants work as a simulated financial crime task force, investigating suspicious financial and digital activity, analysing cyber intelligence, and developing solutions to strengthen cyber resilience.
Mentors from the three partners and the Queensland Police Service will support participants, with winners eligible for internships at the bank, one of Australia’s Big Four.
ANZ managing director Queensland Bruce Rush said the initiative would help develop local cyber talent and create pathways into the technology workforce.
“By bringing together students, academics and industry experts, we're helping create pathways into the workforce while showcasing the incredible talent and innovation emerging across the Sunshine State,” Rush said in a statement.
The event follows the inaugural 2025 hackathon, won by Griffith University student Radhika Agarwal, who later completed an internship at ANZ.
Agarwal said the experience helped her apply university learning to realistic cybercrime investigations and develop practical skills alongside industry professionals.
She encouraged students to participate even if they were still building their cyber security knowledge, saying some of the most valuable learning came from taking part.
"My biggest piece of advice for students considering the Hackathon is not to be intimidated if you're still learning,” Agarwal said.
“You don't need to have all the answers before putting yourself forward for opportunities like this – some of the most valuable learning comes from simply participating."
The hackathon comes in the wake of significant cybercrime activity in Queensland. The Australian Signals Directorate’s 2024-25 Annual Cyber Threat Report recorded more than 84,700 cybercrime reports nationally, equivalent to one every six minutes, with Queensland accounting for 28 per cent of reports – the highest share of any state or territory.
Griffith University vice-president of industry and external engagement Professor Bronwyn Harch said the event gave students an opportunity to apply their knowledge in a high-pressure environment and learn directly from industry experts.
“Experiences like this build confidence, strengthen employability and help prepare graduates to make an immediate contribution to Queensland’s skilled workforce,” Professor Harch said.
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