CDU IT Code Fair marks significant milestone with second location

Building on the success of the Charles Darwin University IT Code Fair, the 2025 event expanded to the CDU Sydney Campus for the first time.    

The annual event showcases CDU’s Faulty of Science and Technology’s students work through a series of competitions and real-time challenges, as well as the opportunity to connect with the industry and future employers during employer speed dating.

As the number of IT students has increased at the CDU Sydney campus the two events ran in conjunction with each other on November 6.  

CDU senior lecturer and IT coordinator Dr Jamal El-Den said he was excited to bring the same spirit of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence to a new generation of Sydney-based students.

“Our IT students will have the opportunity to participate in this celebrated tradition, competing in the same high-calibre challenges that have tested and inspired countless IT students in the Northern Territory.

“The Code Fair provides an exciting opportunity for our students to showcase their work as well as connects them with future career aspirations and employment.”  

CDU Master of Information Technology student Grace Ponmudi, who participated in the inaugural Sydney event said the event is a vital opportunity for students to present innovative, real-world solutions directly to industry.  

“It's the perfect way for us to engage with the industry, build confidence, and translate our theoretical learning into practical applications.”  

Ms Ponmudi participated in the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) research competition and was excited to see how she can effectively communicate the technical aspects of her cybersecurity research to a general audience within the three-minute format.  

“I gained more confidence in presenting my work and received constructive feedback from the judges. Their insights will help me improve and guide me towards achieving my academic and professional goals.

“Sydney has a large tech-ecosystem, and I am excited to hopefully become a part of it by building partnerships with industry, inspiring students, and bridging the gap between academia and professional world.”

Recently two IT projects developed at the Sydney campus featured at Australia’s biggest tech conference, South by Southwest in Sydney.  The Sydney Campus has built a strong IT teaching environment for students.