IBM x Launch Pad: Students Innovate the Future of Mobility & Transport
Western students recently took part in the Venture Makers Innovation Challenge—an exciting one-day hackathon hosted by Launch Pad in partnership with IBM. From imagining the future of universities alongside the Vice Chancellor to developing real-world transport solutions with support from IBM mentors, students were given the chance to think big, work under pressure, and bring bold ideas to life. The day was full of creativity, collaboration, and moments that pushed students beyond the classroom.
A Day of Creative Pressure and Real-World Problem Solving
The 8th iteration of the Innovation Challenge, delivered in partnership with IBM, was a high-intensity sprint through the challenges of ideation, problem-solving, and team-based execution. The event began with an unexpected twist – a thought-provoking warm-up called ‘AI vs VC’, where students were split into two teams: one used generative AI tools, while the other relied solely on human creativity, supported by Launch Pad mentors and the Vice Chancellor, Professor George Williams AO. Students were tasked with imagining what a university could look like in the year 2050, generating concepts ranging from knowledge-embedded microchips to immersive hologram classrooms.
One of the most compelling ideas, as noted by Professor Williams, was “a future where university learning is tailored entirely to the individual—where programs and pathways are shaped by each student’s skills and aspirations.”
This initial session, while energetic and playful, served as more than just an icebreaker. It gave students a chance to explore creative thinking under pressure, test interdisciplinary collaboration, and experience the ambiguity that often accompanies innovation work.
“The idea that most grabbed my attention,” Professor Williams said, “was a future where university learning is tailored entirely to the individual—where programs and pathways are shaped by each student’s skills and aspirations.”
The activity set the tone for the rest of the day: creative, bold, and willing to challenge assumptions.
Following this, the main challenge began—tasking over 80 students across 14 interdisciplinary teams to conceptualise innovative mobility and transport solutions within a single day. Teams had to work rapidly, distilling complex ideas into pitchable solutions under tight constraints. The intensity of the process led many students to experience real growth.
One participant reflected, “At first, we couldn’t agree on where to start. But once we stopped trying to be perfect and just focused on building something, it all came together.” This kind of learning—navigating uncertainty, iterating quickly, and delivering under pressure—is rarely achievable in traditional academic settings, but it defines the essence of the Venture Makers format.
Guided by Experts, Powered by Imagination
One of the most impactful aspects of the event was the presence of IBM mentors, who worked alongside student teams throughout the day. These mentors offered far more than technical expertise—they provided advice on product-market fit, startup strategy, and user validation. Their feedback often pushed students to rethink assumptions, clarify their value propositions, and anchor their ideas in real-world needs. “The best advice I can offer students is to keep validating their ideas,” said IBM mentor Sarra Swami. “Don’t stop testing them after the event—follow the demand, and you’ll find a path forward.”
For many students, this was their first time being challenged by seasoned professionals in a high-stakes, time-sensitive environment. The tension between creativity and feasibility was both demanding and illuminating.
Events like this expose students to real-world thinking. It’s not just about coming up with ideas—it’s about solving actual problems using technology and teamwork
The mentors’ presence signaled to students that their ideas were being taken seriously, and that industry was paying close attention. The mentoring also helped bridge the often-distant gap between academic learning and practical application—making the experience transformative, not just educational.
From Pitch to Possibility: Winners and Takeaways
By the end of the day, three standout teams were selected based on their originality, user understanding, technical depth, and potential for impact.
🥇 Team 6sense: A modular, AI-powered vehicle system that learns from historical data, monitors real-time health, and triggers predictive safety actions before breakdowns occur—built on a central intelligence layer.
“Our biggest challenge was humanising the technology. We wanted people to connect with it—not just use it."
🥈 Team Steer Smart: A Cognitive Cabin™ designed for long-haul truck drivers, using AI to detect fatigue, adjust comfort settings, and switch to autopilot or emergency alerts as needed.
Peoples Choice, Team Travii: An AI-based interface designed for people with physical and cognitive impairments, integrating real-time travel support and education through a user-friendly app.
These concepts weren’t just theoretical—they reflected the kind of layered thinking that integrates empathy, technology, and practical application.
Beyond the Challenge: What Comes Next for Student Innovators
Every single one of the 14 teams did a great job in identifying a problem and offering their solutions. It was both entertaining and informative, and really gave me a lot of hope for the future of technology.”
This challenge marks just one milestone in the ongoing partnership between IBM and Launch Pad. As the Venture Makers Innovation Challenge continues to grow each semester, students can look forward to more opportunities to experiment, collaborate, and build real-world capability. The future of transport, mobility—and indeed, innovation itself—rests in the hands of those bold enough to reimagine it.
And for the students who took part: this is only the beginning. More challenges, more mentors, and more moments to shine are just around the corner.
