Published: May 20, 2026
NGM Group innovates for impact: NCS coaches hackathon teams
May 2026 saw NGM Group host a two-day hackathon – Innovate for Impact – that brought together University of Newcastle students, Microsoft, NGM Group and NCS mentors to solve business and technology challenges for NGM Group Charitable Foundation partners. And at the same time, stay ahead of the AI curve.
Over the two days, more than 200 people used AI technology to brainstorm, design, and develop ideas that delivered meaningful outcomes. NCS mentored and coached a number of teams as they solved business issues that were complex and challenging. Teams pitched their final solutions to a judging panel, with prizes for the most impactful and creative concepts.
Solving real-world challenges for charity partners
The NGM Group Charitable Foundation partners are HealthWISE, Dress For Success and Lake Macquarie & Newcastle Suicide Prevention Network. While these charities were varied in their mission statements, they share common intent; delivering real, meaningful outcomes in the community.
Connecting industry with the talent of the future
A crucial component of the hackathon was the partnership with University of Newcastle, who attracted students as both the brains and the engine room of the hackathon. Some extremely talented students paired with NGM Group staff, NCS and hackathon partners to bring their ideas to life.
Microsoft was another key partner of the event, providing the technology expertise and foundations for the hackathon to take place. The technology uplift for participating students allows them to stay ahead of the AI curve as they develop into the next generation of talent.
Challenge Us: Not your average tech quiz
At NCS we invite our clients to challenge us every single day. During the networking session of Innovate for Impact we were able to turn the tables, running a classic pub quiz to challenge both the team from NGM Group and the student hackers.
Everyone competed admirably, attempting to answer some curly questions relating to the technology industry and the partners of the event. Congratulations to the winner of a very cool pair of Meta Ray Bans!
Congratulations to the hackathon winners
The team Hack for Success took home the top prize, building a new referral portal for Dress for Success, the local chapter of a global organisation that empowers women through career support and economic independence. Congratulations to the team members – Jemma Taylor, Jessica Williams, Pilar Gonzalez, Todd Muir and Tom Sadler.
Key insights and takeaways from the event
- We are all learning and embracing AI
- No one is immune from imposter syndrome
- When teams are given space and permission, they create amazing things
Thank you, NGM Group
NCS was honoured to be involved in this fantastic project that gathered the whole NGM team, the tech community, and local students to help solve challenges facing three commendable charities. At the same time, thank you to the NGM Executive and hackathon team for providing a forum for the community to uplift local skills and tech capability and stay ahead of the curve on AI.