PNG National ID Ideathon
About the Ideathon

Unlock the power of the SevisPass

Are you passionate about the potential of technology to drive positive social and economic change? Are you a university student, startup, or innovator based in Papua New Guinea? Do you believe that the SevisPass holds the key to unlock a brighter future for the country? If that is the case, then this ideathon is for you.

The National Digital ID Ideathon will be hosted by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in collaboration with MSC (MicroSave Consulting) and will be held as part of the Third Digital Transformation Summit 2025 (DTS25).

The ideathon will be launched for university students and professionals to develop use cases of the SevisPass in various sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, finance, transportation, education, and public administration.

Today, Papua New Guinea is on the cusp of a digital transformation. The national digital ID, SevisPass, is set to transform how citizens, businesses, and government agencies access and deliver digital services. Join us in this transformative moment to shape the country's future.

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Who Can Participate

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Individual innovators

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At least form a team of 3 to 5 members.

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University students from PNG institutions

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Startup teams and private sector companies

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Each team must have at least one female member

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Cross-Sector Teams across universities, companies, and disciplines

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Organisers

Department of ICT, Government of Papua New Guinea, in collaboration with Microsave Consulting.

The Ideathon Journey

Stage 1
Stage - 13 weeks

Stage 1: Ideathon launch & submission of ideas

3rd November 2025 to 21st November 2025

This informative online session will inform you about the objectives of the Ideathon and guide you through the application process.

Digital ID upskilling webinars: We will offer a few comprehensive free digital ID upskilling webinars to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary for success. The webinars will be on:

  • Introduction to the Ideathon, identity, and digital ID;
  • Role of digital ID in facilitating service delivery in various sectors
Stage 2
Stage - 23 days

Stage 2: Application Review & Shortlisting

21st November 2025 to 22nd November 2025

  • Once the application window closes, our team of experts will review all submitted ideas.
  • Based on their potential impact, innovation, and feasibility, we will select five to six high-potential use cases to move forward for the next stage.
  • Shortlisted teams will be notified by 22nd November 2025.
Stage 3
Stage - 32 days

Stage 3: In-Person Development & Mentorship

25th November 2025 to 26th November 2025 at Stanley Hotel, Port Moresby

  • Get ready to dive deep into development and refinement! Selected teams will participate in the intensive two-day in-person Ideathon.
  • You won't be alone on this journey. Our team of industry experts will offer invaluable mentorship and support.
  • Teams will have access to technical resources, SevisPass documentation, and a dedicated workspace at the venue.
  • Daily check-ins with mentors and progress presentations.
Stage 4
Stage - 4Final Day

Stage 4: Final Presentations & Awards

27th November 2025

  • The event will conclude with final presentations at the Digital Transformation Summit (DTS25).
  • The top teams will have the opportunity to showcase their innovative solutions for the SevisPass in front of a live audience of government officials, private sector leaders, and international experts.
  • The DICT and MSC will recognize and celebrate the most innovative solutions that can potentially transform digital service delivery through digital ID in Papua New Guinea at the final award ceremony.

Discover the benefits of this Ideathon

Contribution to Papua New Guinea's digital transformation will help you gain

Valuable Experience

Valuable Experience

Develop skills in digital ID technology and application development

Expert Mentorship

Expert Mentorship

Receive guidance from DICT officials, MSC consultants, and industry leaders

Networking

Networking

Connect with the country's digital ecosystem and potential future employers or partners

Recognition

Recognition

National visibility during DTS25 and potential government pilot opportunities

Skills Development

Skills Development

Technical training in digital identity systems and public service innovation

Recognition

Recognition

All the participants who reach the final stage will receive certificates of participation and networking opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria

University students, startups, and private sector innovators who live in Papua New Guinea are invited to participate in the national digital ID

Team Composition
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Teams must consist of 3–4 members.

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Participation of female team members is encouraged.

Eligible Participants
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Startups

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University students

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Private sector innovators residing in PNG

Final Results

Eight shortlisted teams from phase 1 presented their final ideas to an esteemed panel on the sidelines of the fourth PNG Digital Transformation Summit, 2025, in Port Moresby. The judging panel includes:

1.

Dominic Meoli, First Secretary, Australian High Commission

2.

Russel Harada, Director ICTS, PNG University of Technology

3.

Josuah Honnes, Digital Transformation & Web Solution Developer, Department of ICT

From the top teams, the judges selected the two winners based on the innovation, creativity, practicality, and scalability of their ideas.