Premier's Coding Challenge powers up in tenth year

• The Crisafulli Government opens the 2026 Premier’s Coding Challenge to inspire the next generation of digital innovators.
• Students in Years 3 to 10 are invited to devise a digital solution to the real-world issue of online safety.
• Celebrating its 10th year, the annual challenge promotes STEM learning, with a $24,000 prize pool for the State’s talented coding students. 
• The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future after a decade of decline under Labor.   

The Crisafulli Government is launching the 2026 Premier’s Coding Challenge to inspire Queensland students to use and build their coding skills, while learning about the importance of online safety.  

This year’s theme, Online Safety QLD, challenges students to develop innovative digital solutions - such as apps, games, or websites - that show Queenslanders how to stay safe online. 

The Premier’s Coding Challenge is open to students in Years 3 to 10 from state and non-state schools across Queensland and closes on 11 September 2026.  

It’s just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future and creating jobs for the years to come, after chaos and crisis during Labor’s decade of decline. 

Entries will be judged by a panel of experts from the coding industry, government, and education sectors, with winners announced at a prestigious awards ceremony in November.  

Winning students, and those awarded Highly Commended status, will receive robotics and electronics kits from a $24,000 prize pool.  

Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek said this year marked a milestone for the Challenge.  

“The Premier’s Coding Challenge inspires the next generation of digital innovators and fosters Queensland’s emerging tech talent,” Minister Langbroek said. 

“We want this year to be the biggest yet and we have an incredible prize pool on offer for our talented young students.  

“Through this Challenge, we’ve seen students from around the state excel in creating digital solutions that solve real-world problems. 

“This year’s theme of Online Safety QLD is an opportunity for students to explore how technology can protect and educate our communities in an increasingly digital age. 

“Online safety is a critical skill and the Premier’s Coding Challenge empowers students to use their creativity and coding knowledge to make a real difference.” 

The Challenge is part of the Crisafulli Government’s record $21.9 billion Education Budget, which is building 15 new schools, delivering more teachers and teacher aides, and creating opportunities for students to thrive through programs including the Premier’s ANZAC Prize, The Quantum Challenge and the Peter Doherty Awards. 

The Premier’s Coding Challenge has engaged more than 3,000 students since its inception, with last year’s competition receiving 445 entries from 136 schools. 

ENDS