Quantity Surveying (QS), the core profession in construction cost management, tendering and contract management, is unlocking infinite possibilities for technological innovation.
The Smart QS Hackathon 2026 (“Programme”), co-organised by the Housing Bureau, the Hong Kong Housing Authority, the University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, aims to explore innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications for the QS profession, with a view to supporting meaningful adoption in practical QS workflows.
With the rapid advancement of AI, QS workflows are evolving, creating new opportunities to improve efficiency and accuracy. This Programme brings together QS professionals and AI and technology talents in a structured, hands-on environment to learn, build and validate practical solutions to real-world QS challenges.
Through workshops, mentoring and a 48-hour hackathon, participants will develop workable prototypes and showcase their ideas. Join us to connect with industry experts, collaborate across disciplines and help advance AI adoption in QS and the wider construction industry.
Keen to find out more? Join the Welcome Ceremony & Briefing Session on 29 July 2026 to receive the full briefing, learn useful participation tips and kick-start your Hackathon journey.
Solve QS pain points: Apply data and problem-solving skills to master real-life challenges.
GetExpert Mentorship: Level up your skills with direct feedback and guidance from tech and industry experts.
Expand Your Network: Engage with industry leaders, tech innovators and peers to build high-value professional connections.
Build a Standout Portfolio: Showcase your expertise, build your professional profile, and create a real-world project that validates your strategic and analytical capabilities.
Get FREE GPU resources: Participants can access GPU to accelerate innovation and solution development.
The Challenges
Programme Timeline
Eligibility
Evaluation Criteria (Initial Proposal)
Assigned Challenges
Criteria
Weighting
Problem Understanding & Scope Alignment
Demonstrates a clear understanding of the problem statement and QS workflows/pain points.
Shows strong alignment with the intended scope, with clearly defined assumptions, deliverables and use cases
30%
Technical Feasibility
Presents a practical and robust technical approach (e.g. data inputs, model/architecture, integration and security considerations) that can be delivered within the Programme timeline.
Demonstrates the ability to leverage relevant AI tools and AISC computing resources effectively, with a clear implementation plan and risk mitigation measures.
30%
Innovation & Creativity
Integrates existing technologies in a unique and innovative manner to improve QS processes, accuracy and/or productivity.
Demonstrates differentiated value versus current practices/solutions and potential for scalable adoption or broader application.
25%
Team Structure & Capability
Establishes an appropriate team structure with clearly defined roles and relevant competencies.
Demonstrates capability and commitment to execute the proposed plan, including collaboration effectiveness and delivery readiness.
15%
Open Challenges
Criteria
Weighting
Relevance & Impact
Demonstrates strong relevance to QS industry needs and clear alignment with the Programme objectives/use cases.
Articulates expected impact (e.g. efficiency gains, accuracy improvements, risk reduction and/or user experience enhancement) with measurable outcomes where practicable.
30%
Innovation & Creativity
Integrates existing technologies in a unique and innovative manner to improve QS processes, accuracy and/or productivity.
Demonstrates differentiated value versus current practices/solutions and potential for scalable adoption or broader application.
30%
Technical Feasibility
Presents a practical and robust technical approach (e.g. data inputs, model/architecture, integration and security considerations) that can be delivered within the Programme timeline.
Demonstrates the ability to leverage relevant AI tools and AISC computing resources effectively, with a clear implementation plan and risk mitigation measures.
25%
Team Structure & Capability
Establishes an appropriate team structure with clearly defined roles and relevant competencies.
Demonstrates capability and commitment to execute the proposed plan, including collaboration effectiveness and delivery readiness.
15%
Prize
The top 3 teams (i.e. Champion, 1st Runner-up and 2nd Runner-up) in each challenge stream will receive cash prizes as set out in the table below, and may also have the opportunity to further develop their solutions with the organisers.
Challenges
Winners
Cash Prize (HK$)
A.
Assigned Challenges
A1
Contract Advisory
Champion 1st Runner-up 2nd Runner-up
20,000 12,000 5,000
A2
Payment Valuation
Champion 1st Runner-up 2nd Runner-up
20,000 12,000 5,000
B.
Open Challenges
B1
Professional
Champion 1st Runner-up 2nd Runner-up
20,000 12,000 5,000
B2
Students
Champion 1st Runner-up 2nd Runner-up
20,000 12,000 5,000
Exploring Quantity Surveying (QS)
Resources to help you dive into QS — see below for reference.
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