Cathay Hackathon 2025 – A Global Innovation Challenge (Apply Now)

Innovation in aviation is no longer optional, it’s the future. As airlines adapt to digital-first strategies, sustainability goals, and new passenger expectations, hackathons have emerged as powerful platforms to find breakthrough solutions.

One such initiative is the Cathay Hackathon 2025, hosted by Cathay Pacific, which brings together students, graduates, and internal talent to solve real-world challenges in aviation.

Taking place in Hong Kong on November 15–16, 2025, this in-person hackathon is more than a coding contest. It combines pre-event master classes, mentorship, hands-on development, and direct exposure to industry leaders. Participants not only compete for exciting prizes but also gain opportunities to fast-track into Cathay’s Digital & IT Internship and Graduate Programmes.

What is Cathay Hackathon 2025?

The Cathay Hackathon 2025 is a flagship event where innovation meets real-world aviation challenges. Unlike generic coding contests, it is uniquely focused on developing solutions that address travel, lifestyle, cargo, and low-cost carrier operations.

This year’s edition is special because it merges student and staff competitions, creating a unified platform where all participants compete on the same stage. Teams will work on their ideas for 24 hours straight and pitch them directly to Cathay’s senior management and industry judges.

Key Highlights of Cathay Hackathon

• Date & Venue: November 15–16, 2025, at Cathay Pacific City, Hong Kong.
• Format: 24-hour hackathon with in-person pitching.
• Pre-Engagement: Mandatory activities and master classes in October 2025.
• Eligibility: Students, recent graduates, and internal staff (age 16+).
• Team Size: 3–5 members with defined roles—Product Owner, Designer, Developer.
• Languages: English, Putonghua, or Cantonese (fixed upon registration).
• Opportunities: Prizes, career fast-tracks, and exclusive exposure to aviation leaders.

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Important Dates & Timeline for the Cathay Hackathon

Eligibility Criteria to participate in Cathay Hackathon

The hackathon welcomes diverse talent but has strict eligibility requirements:

• Age: Participants must be 16 years or older.
• Education: Open to current tertiary students or recent graduates (within the past 2 years).
• Team Formation: Teams of 3–5 members with defined roles—Product Owner, Designer, and Developer.
• Language: Teams must choose one language (English, Putonghua, or Cantonese) for all submissions and pitches.
• Travel Readiness: International participants must arrange their own visas, flights, and accommodation.

Step-by-Step Application Process for Hackathon

Here’s how you can secure your spot at Cathay Hackathon 2025:

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Go to the Cathay Hackathon portal during the application window and carefully read the eligibility guidelines.

Step 2: Register and Fill in Details

Create your profile, enter academic and personal information, and select your role preference (Product Owner, Designer, or Developer).

Step 3: Form or Join a Team

Apply with your own team of 3–5 members, or get matched with other participants through Cathay’s platform.

Step 4: Choose a Language

Select one language (English, Cantonese, or Putonghua) for all submissions and pitches. This choice is final and cannot be changed later.

Step 5: Submit Application Before the Deadline

Submit your complete application by September 26, 2025, 23:59 HKT, ensuring all required details are included.

Step 6: Await Screening and Results

Cathay will review applications for eligibility and team setup. Selected participants will be notified within a week.

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Cathay Hackathon Competition Themes & Tracks

The innovation themes for Cathay Hackathon 2025 span across Cathay’s core operations:

• Travel Innovation – Enhancing passenger experience through tech.
• Lifestyle – Building digital tools for Cathay’s lifestyle services.
• Cargo – Optimizing cargo efficiency and logistics.
• Low-Cost Carrier Operations – Innovating affordable, efficient flight solutions.

Participants will align their projects with one chosen theme, from ideation to final pitch.

Prizes and Opportunities after the Cathay Competition

Cathay Hackathon 2025 is more than just a competition—it’s a career gateway.

• Attractive Prizes: Winners receive rewards including cash, gadgets, and exclusive opportunities.
• Fast-Track Career Pathways: Top performers gain priority access to Cathay’s Digital & IT Internship and Graduate Programmes.
• Networking: Direct exposure to Cathay Pacific leaders, aviation partners, and global tech experts.
• Hands-on Experience: Access to Cathay’s systems and real-world aviation challenges.

Benefits of Participating in Cathay Hackathon 2025

Showcase Creativity
Present your innovative ideas on a global stage with visibility among aviation leaders.

Gain Mentorship
Receive guidance from Cathay professionals who help refine your project and career skills.

Career-Ready Solutions
Work on real-world challenges that enhance your resume and practical experience.

Stronger Teamwork
Improve collaboration, communication, and leadership through cross-functional teamwork.

Fast-Track Opportunities
Winners can secure direct pathways into Cathay’s internship and graduate programs.

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Tips to Excel in Hackathon

• Understand the Theme: Research Cathay’s operations in travel, cargo, or lifestyle for relevant solutions.
• Plan Roles Early: Clearly define each team member’s responsibilities before the event.
• Engage in Master Classes: Use the October training sessions to polish skills and gain insights.
• Prototype Quickly: Focus on building a functional MVP (minimum viable product).
• Perfect Your Pitch: Judges value clear, impactful storytelling as much as technical innovation.

Conclusion: Should you join the Cathay Hackathon 2025?

The Cathay Hackathon is more than just a 24-hour coding event it’s a transformative platform for students, graduates, and innovators passionate about aviation.

By blending technology with real-world business challenges, Cathay provides participants the chance to create impactful solutions that could shape the future of travel.

With mandatory training, networking opportunities, and career fast-tracks, this hackathon is not only about winning prizes it’s about gaining long-term growth and recognition.

If you’re eager to innovate in aviation and prove your skills on a global stage, Cathay Hackathon is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

FAQs

1. Who can participate in Cathay Hackathon 2025?

Anyone aged 16+ who is a current student or recent graduate (within 2 years) can apply.

2. Do I need to be in Hong Kong to join the competition?

Yes, in-person attendance at Cathay Pacific City is mandatory for pitching and final presentations.

3. Can I register individually without a team in the hackathon?

Yes, individuals can register, but priority is given to complete teams of 3–5 members.

4. What languages are accepted in the Cathay Hackathon?

Teams must choose English, Putonghua, or Cantonese for all submissions and pitches.

5. Are travel and accommodation provided to the participants?

No, participants must cover their own travel and lodging. Cathay covers meals and amenities during the hackathon.

6. What kind of challenges will I work on during the Cathay Hackathon?

Challenges will align with aviation themes like travel, lifestyle, cargo, and low-cost carrier innovation.

7. What are the benefits beyond prizes?

Winners gain fast-track entry to Cathay’s internship and graduate programs, plus networking with industry leaders.