MEDIA STATEMENT: Young cyber gurus encouraged to crack the code

Published Monday, 17 February, 2025 at 04:53 PM

Minister for Education and the Arts
The Honourable John-Paul Langbroek

Young cyber gurus urged to crack the code 

  • Queensland students are encouraged to enter the 2025 Premier’s Coding Challenge.
  • The annual competition encourages students in Years 3 to 10 to create an app, website, or digital game that drives positive change.  
  • Entries are now open and will close in September, with winners announced in November.   

The 2025 Premier’s Coding Challenge is now open for students in Years 3 to 10, after last year’s competition registered record levels of interest and engagement.   

The annual initiative supports students to develop innovative games, apps or websites that tackle real world problems and drive positive change. 

Applicants create digital solutions that address one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with winners sharing a prize pool worth $15,000. 

The 2024 round received a record-breaking 450 entries from 126 schools and showcased the incredible talent of young Queenslanders. 

Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek said the Challenge provided students with unique learning opportunities to prepare them for working life.  

“This Challenge helps to prepare students for a career in the digital world by fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity,” Minister Langbroek said. 

“We want more students to pursue careers in STEM and it’s exciting to think this year’s cohort could include Queensland’s future innovators and creators. 

“The importance of STEM is reflected in our commitment to facilitate an additional 200 teachers being trained in STEM or inclusive needs each year.” 

Submissions close on 12 September 2025, and the awards ceremony will be held on 25 November 2025 in Brisbane. 

For more details on how to enter and to explore the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, visit https://education.qld.gov.au/about-us/events-awards/awards-competitions/premiers-coding-challenge  

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Kate Rogers 0426 414 298 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

What’s in it for students? 

  • Exciting prizes: A share of a $15,000 prize pool, including robotics and electronics kits. 

  • Recognition: Every participant receives a certificate of achievement. 

  • Real-world impact: Use technology to create positive change and contribute to global challenges like improving health and well-being, promoting education, and creating sustainable cities.