60-Minute Pizza + Hackathon in Newtown: Turning Creativity into Community Impact!
- Academy of Entrepreneurs
- Oct 25
- 2 min read

What happens when you mix a hot pizza oven, bright minds, and bold ideas? You get the 60-Minute Pizza + Hackathon — a burst of innovation and fun hosted right in the heart of Newtown! This event brought together our international students, mentors, and the local business community for one incredible evening of collaboration, creativity, and community spirit.
Led by the amazing Anne-Marie, Anf, and our team of AE Legends, students had just 60 minutes to brainstorm innovative solutions for a real local business challenge. We gave back by supporting @madeinnewtown and @natalijarushidi — and even had the honor of inviting the founder as a guest judge to select the winning idea.
What’s a Hackathon?
A hackathon is a fast-paced idea sprint where teams come together to solve real-world problems in a short amount of time. The word combines “hack” (meaning to innovate or find creative solutions) and “marathon” (a race against the clock!). In this 60-minute challenge, students brainstormed marketing strategies, digital solutions, and creative ways to boost a local business — all while enjoying delicious pizza and a fun, supportive atmosphere.
Why It’s Amazing for International Students
For our international students, this wasn’t just about ideas — it was about connection. They learned to:
Collaborate across cultures and backgrounds.
Apply entrepreneurial thinking to real local businesses.
Practice teamwork, pitching, and leadership under pressure.
Build confidence in networking with Australian entrepreneurs.
It’s the perfect mix of learning, community engagement, and fun — exactly what the Academy of Entrepreneurs stands for!

A Huge Shoutout!
Big thank you to Anne-Marie, Anf, and all our incredible students for bringing their energy and ideas to life — and to @natalijarushidi and @madeinnewtown for partnering with us to support local innovation.
Together, we’re proving that entrepreneurship starts with creativity, community, and a good slice of pizza!




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