Welcome to Telstra IoT Fest 2026
Turn network intelligence into real-world impact.
Using Telstra's network-powered IoT signals and APIs, design solutions that go beyond device telemetry to solve real business problems, from compliance and fraud prevention to operational resilience and automation.
This is not about calling a single API or creating a static proof-of-concept.
It's about combining signals, creating intelligence, and proposing what should exist next.
Importantly, this hackathon is not looking for one "right" answer.
There are multiple valid ways to approach each problem and we encourage diverse ideas, architectures, and solution paths. The goal is to explore what's possible with network APIs and demonstrate their real-world viability.
This hackathon focuses on building real world IoT solutions using available APIs, mocks, and sandbox environments, where participants are expected to develop and demonstrate working solutions that showcase how network signals can drive real-world outcomes, with a clear flow from: Signal → Insight → Decision → Action
Participation Requirement: Each team must have at least one member based in Australia for final presentation in Melbourne.
Who can participate?
Telstra IoT Fest 2026 is focused on fostering innovation across the broader developer and industry community. Participation is open to external developers, customers, partners, startups, and innovators. To maintain the event's focus on the external ecosystem, Telstra employees are not eligible to participate in the hackathon.
Extra Considerations
Think beyond the API. Build for the outcome.
This hackathon is business-use-case driven, focused on real-world problem solving rather than isolated API demos.
Strong solutions will go beyond standalone API usage and demonstrate how network capabilities can be combined to solve real-world problems. We encourage you to think in terms of systems, outcomes, and decision-making, not just individual features.
Your solution should demonstrate:
A clear and relevant real-world problem and user context.
How multiple datasets and signals (network, location, reachability, etc.) are combined.
A logical flow from Signal → Insight → Decision → Action.
Measurable outcomes (e.g. cost reduction, safety, efficiency, risk mitigation).
How the system behaves in dynamic or changing conditions (via simulation).
Opportunities to extend or evolve existing Telstra API capabilities.
How agentic AI patterns, intelligence and automation enable real-time or near real-time decision-making.
Example
Enhancing site power data by combining it with Loss of Connectivity API to differentiate between device faults, local power failures, and broader network outages, enabling faster diagnosis and more accurate operational responses.
This is the kind of systems-level thinking and innovation we're looking for.
Accessing the TDev Sandbox & Hackathon APIs
Follow the steps below to set up your account, access the sandbox and start testing the hackathon APIs.
Step 1: Create your TDev Account
- Create an account for TDev to access the sandbox: https://dev.telstra.com/auth
- When registering an account, select "Retail" and add your email address.
- Verify your email through your email application. Check your junk mail if it does not appear.
This should open up a new page directing you to the TDev website.
Australian users: If you have an Australian mobile number, complete the Validate your mobile step.
International users: You will not be able to complete this step. Please contact the hackathon team for next steps.
On Next Login: Australian Users
- Navigate to Sandbox at the top.
- Click the profile at the top right. If nothing is available, click "Create new account".
- Click the + icon to create a new access key.
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Select the 4 APIs used in this hackathon and create the key:
- Network Availability API
- IoT Loss of Connectivity API
- Beta Location Retrieval API
- Beta Location Verification API
- Click "Generate Token".
- You can now click and try out different scenarios with the hackathon APIs.
Please note: Generating a new API Key may take a couple of minutes to complete end-to-end. If the API request does not immediately trigger, please try again in a few minutes.
On Next Login: International Users
- Follow the two-step verification process via email to sign in.
- Skip creating a passkey.
- Cancel the request to validate your mobile number.
- At the top right, click the notification icon.
- Under Accounts in your profile, accept the invite to the "Telstra IoT Fest 2026" group.
- Select "Sandbox".
- Refresh the page so "Telstra IoT Fest 2026" appears at the top right.
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Select an API. The 4 APIs used in this hackathon are:
- Beta Location Verification API
- Beta Location Retrieval API
- IoT Loss of Connectivity API
- Network Availability API
- Select "Telstra IoT Fest 2026 Key" as the API Key and click "Generate Token".
- You can now choose scenarios for the API and get mocked responses by clicking "Send".
Using the APIs in Your Application
Copy the curl command for use in your own application. Ensure you have an up-to-date token generated before calling the API.
Registration Instructions
Follow the steps below to complete your Brightidea account setup and hackathon registration.
If you are a new Brightidea user
- Open the provided Brightidea URL and click Register Entry.
- On the login page, click Register to create a new Brightidea account.
- Enter your email address, first name, and last name, then click Register.
- Check your registered email inbox and verify your email address.
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Create your password, complete the required fields, accept the Terms and Conditions, and complete your account registration.
Tip: We recommend using your full name as your Screen Name so that we can easily identify you.
- You will then be taken to the Telstra IoT Fest 2026 home page. Click Register Entry, complete all the required details, and click Submit Project.
Already have a Brightidea account?
You do not need to create another account.
- Log in using your existing Brightidea credentials.
- Click Join Telstra IoT Fest 2026.
- On the Telstra IoT Fest 2026 home page, click Register Entry.
- Complete all the required details and click Submit Project.
Please avoid duplicate registrations
If you have already created a Brightidea account or submitted an entry, please do not create another account or duplicate entry.Need help?
Reach out to telstrahackathons@team.telstra.com if you have any questions regarding the registration process.
Prizes & Rewards
Build bold ideas. Create real impact. Take home the rewards.
First Prize
Awarded to the winning team.
Second Prize
Awarded to the second-place team.
Wildcard Prize
Awarded to the selected wildcard team.
Referral Prize
Awarded to the participant with the highest number of valid referrals resulting in completed and eligible hackathon submissions.
Hackathon Milestones
Your journey from registration to the TIF 2026 Finale.
Important: It is recommended to submit as early as possible around 27-Nov 2026 so that we have enough time to review your submission and inform you to make adjustments if there's anything missing.
Late submissions will not be accepted. Please submit your solutions by 30th Nov EoD Australia time.
Expected Deliverables
Bring your solution to life and demonstrate its real-world potential.
Working prototype, simulation, or functional demo
Demo video or live demonstration
Architecture diagram showing system components and flows
Description of how APIs and signals drive system behaviour
Explanation of real-world use case, outcomes, and impact
What does a good team look like?
Bring together different skills, perspectives and ideas.
Telstra staff participating in the hackathon may join the Finale Day either in person or online if selected.
Judging Criteria
What we'll be looking for in your solution.
How to submit your solution
Follow these steps to complete your team card and submit your hackathon entry.
Create your team card in Brightidea, fill out the initial submission fields and open it.
• Click your name under Team.
• Type in the name of the team member you wish to add.
• Click the ">>" button to add the team member.
• Click "Update" to lock in your team changes so your team members can access the card.
• Copy the URL of your team card and send it to your team just in case. The URL should contain a D number, which is the ID of your card.
• Open your team card, which should have the status "Submitted".
• Click on the "Development" tab.
• Click the "Complete Development" button.
Fill out all required fields:
• Deliverable: Please provide a Google Drive link (or similar) to any material that forms a part of your solution.
• Deliverable: Please describe which APIs you have used.
• Deliverable: Please write down your elevator pitch for the solution.
• Finale availability: Are you available to attend the finale in Melbourne on 3rd December?
• Click "Mark Complete".
Success! Your entry has now been submitted correctly, with all deliverables added to your team card, and the hackathon organisers will see this in the backend as completed.
Should you want to go back in and update the submission later, you can do this until the due date by repeating this process and clicking "Update".
Navigation
APIs Available for this Hackathon
Explore Telstra's network-powered IoT capabilities and build them into real-world solutions.
Participants may also choose to incorporate other relevant APIs where appropriate, including those from Cisco Control Center, if they already have access. However, solutions are expected to prioritise the featured IoT APIs and demonstrate their meaningful use.
Contact Us
Have a question? We're here to help.
If you have any questions about Telstra IoT Fest 2026, please reach out to us at:
telstrahackathons@team.telstra.com
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is IoT from Telstra's perspective?
At Telstra, IoT goes beyond connecting devices. While connectivity is at the core of IoT, it is also about exposing network intelligence as a product. Through our IoT Network-as-a-Product (NaaP) APIs, customers gain programmatic access to network-level insights such as outages, reachability, connectivity events and location data. These insights complement device telemetry and help organisations move from reactive monitoring to proactive, automated operations at enterprise scale.
Is a working prototype mandatory?
No. Mockups or clickable prototypes are acceptable. However, solutions that demonstrate a working prototype using the provided APIs are likely to be viewed more favourably.
Can we propose new APIs or enhancements as part of our solution?
Yes. We encourage participants to propose new APIs, enhancements or additional capabilities that could improve customer outcomes. These ideas can be included within your submission or shared separately.
How can Cisco Control Center APIs be used in submissions?
Cisco Control Center APIs provide access to SIM plan usage, device management and account controls. These capabilities can be combined with Telstra's IoT NaaP APIs to create richer IoT solutions and operational workflows.
Are there any restrictions on industries or use cases we can explore?
No. Participants are free to explore any industry or use case. However, some of Telstra's largest IoT sectors include Telematics, Automotive and Metering, which may provide useful inspiration.
Do we need to simulate real-world scenarios like outages or movement?
No. Simulating outages, device movement or other real-world scenarios is not a requirement for participation.
What are the expectations around Agentic AI or automation in solutions?
Agentic AI and automation are welcome as part of your solution. We encourage teams to explore how intelligent workflows, automation and AI-powered decision making can enhance the value of IoT and network intelligence.
Can teams be fully remote?
No. At least one member must be based in Australia for finale in Melbourne if selected.
Will there be technical support or mentors during the hackathon?
Yes. During the kickoff session, participants will be introduced to technical experts and support contacts who can assist throughout the hackathon.
How many people can be in a team?
Teams can have between 1 and 5 members. While individual participation is allowed, teams of up to 5 members are recommended.
Can participants be part of multiple teams?
No. Participants may only be registered in one team. However, you are welcome to collaborate, share ideas and support other teams throughout the event.
I am a Telstra staff member and I want to participate. Can I?
Yes, Telstra employees are welcome to participate. If your team is selected for the Finale Day, you will be eligible to compete for the Wildcard Prize, subject to your solution scoring well through the judging process.
The winner of the Wildcard Prize will be announced and celebrated on Finale Day. As Telstra IoT Fest 2026 is primarily a customer-focused hackathon, the main prizes are reserved for external participants.
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