AI x Design Thinking Challenge 2026
Teams
5max/team
Event Details
About
Byron Design Thinking is bringing the community together for a one-night, high-energy sprint where business, creativity and AI collide to do good.
On 22 April, at TAFE NSW Byron Bay, you’ll form a team, tackle a live challenge from Human Nature Adventure Therapy, and have 90 minutes to think, experiment and build something worth pitching.
AI is everywhere right now. New tools and models launch weekly. But most teams and businesses are still working out what it actually means. This night is about getting practical and solving a real life problem at the same time.
You don’t need to be an AI pro or design wizard to enjoy this one. Just an open mind and willingness to get deep on solving the challenge.
The evening finishes with a Shark Tank–style pitch to our judges and the room, where teams get 3 minutes to show off what they’ve built, have a laugh, and entertain the crowd. One team will walk away crowned the winner of Australia’s first AI x Design Thinking Challenge - earning bragging rights for bold thinking, tight teamwork and delivering when it counts.
How to participate
Register to secure your spot and get set up on the Centred platform we’ll use to run the night. If you don’t already have an account, one will be created during registration. From there you can create or join a team ahead of the challenge.
There’s a cap on the number of teams, so first in best dressed. Flying solo? No stress. As the event gets closer we’ll match individuals into teams with spare spots.
Who's it for?
People curious about AI and where it's heading.
Business owners and operators exploring what this all means.
Techies, designers, product folks, and creative thinkers keen to showcase their skills.
Sharp problem-solvers and storytellers, expert or not.
Anyone up for teaming up with friends or strangers and learning by doing.
It's about mixing strengths, AI know-how, business sense, creative thinking, and pitching chops.
Spots are capped. If this sounds like you, jump in.
Partners
This event only happens because partners and sponsors believe in it. Thanks to Business NSW Northern Rivers, TAFE NSW, Southern Cross University, Lovable, Just Digital People, Centred and Create Vibes for getting behind the night.
Challenge Partner
Human Nature Adventure TherapyFor a decade, Human Nature has supported young people across the Far North Coast (aged 14–18) who are experiencing significant mental health challenges, trauma, disengagement from school, and complex life circumstances. They face practical, emotional, and cultural barriers that make fixed appointments, short programs, or clinical environments difficult to engage with. Through therapy, mentoring, and nature-based experiences, Human Nature’s practitioners (qualified mental health professionals and skilled youth mentors) meet young people wherever they feel safe to connect. This includes their homes, schools, community spaces, public places. Human Nature works alongside young people for as long as it takes to build trust, develop skills for managing their mental health, strengthen relationships, reconnect with education or community, and create pathways toward stable, meaningful futures (9 months or 26 appointments on average). Our approach prioritises sustained engagement, and removing barriers to participation, enabling young people not only to recover from distress but to thrive and maintain wellbeing over time.
Awards
AI x Design Thinking Challenge 2026
Awarded by our panel of judges for the idea that best cracks the challenge and stands out for impact, creativity, and ability to work in real life.
Judged by