Tesla, Talent & Tech: The Future of Energy According to Western Students
On the busy roads of Sydney, the winning team of the 7th Venture Makers Innovation Challenge found themselves zipping through Sydney in a silent, sleek Tesla Model S. This unforgettable experience, topped off by a tour of Tesla’s cutting-edge headquarters in Sydney, was the reward for their hard work and innovative thinking.
The Venture Makers Innovation Challenge, a bi-annual event run by Western’s technology business incubator, Launch Pad, has always been about pushing the limits of student creativity. But this year was different. Held in September 2024, Launch Pad for the first time, collaborated with Tesla, one of the world’s most forward-thinking companies, to tackle the theme of “The Future of Energy.” With just five hours to solve a complex, real-world problem, students were thrust into a pressure cooker environment, working in randomly assigned teams to develop innovative energy solutions.
Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry
“The hackathon really opens up the door for students to connect with industry giants like Tesla, providing a real taste of what it’s like to work in the field,” says Shane Bannister, Head of Business Development at Tesla.
“Having the opportunity to develop solutions for actual challenges in industries like energy is invaluable. It’s not just about learning to pitch ideas but about creating something that could potentially change the world.”
The students weren’t alone in this intense challenge. Mentors from Tesla and the Launch Pad staff were on hand to provide guidance, but ultimately, it was up to the students to think critically, collaborate under pressure, and innovate.
“One thing I’ve learnt is to learn how to communicate with the people that you work with,” says Alan, a member of the winning team, Smart Rubbish.
That’s exactly what happened when the teams met for the first time on the day of the hackathon. Forced to step outside of their comfort zones, students quickly learned the importance of effective communication and teamwork, essential skills for success in both the workplace and in life.
The Winners: Team Smart Rubbish
After an intense day of brainstorming, rapid prototyping, and pitching, it was Team Smart Rubbish that emerged victorious. Their solution? A futuristic, AI-powered garbage truck built from Tesla’s Semi Truck, designed to sort waste for recycling and generate new electricity in the process.
“Our main struggle was figuring out our problem statement,” shares Chekwube, a member of Smart Rubbish. “But we overcame it through communication.”
That collaboration paid off, leading to their win and the highly coveted prize of $1,000 per person, plus a chance to visit the Tesla facility.
I knew as soon as I saw the Tesla hackathon, I had to be there. It could be a game-changer for my career.
Exclusive Tesla Experience: Insights and Mentorships
The reward for the winning team, Smart Rubbish, was an immersive and unique experience. The team was given exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to Tesla’s operations, where they gained invaluable insights into the company’s innovative approach. They learned how Tesla runs its cutting-edge operations, their standout marketing strategies, how they prioritise exceptional customer experience and disrupt the automobile markets.
The highlight of the visit was a thrilling ride in a Tesla, where they got to experience firsthand the technology they had been studying. But the real magic came from the one-on-one mentoring sessions with Tesla staff, who offered personalized advice from various departments. Many students seized this opportunity to inquire about employment prospects and career advice, receiving expert guidance that could help shape their futures. This rare opportunity not only gave them a deeper understanding of Tesla’s operations but also opened the door to potential career paths, making it a life-changing experience for the team.
Industry Insights: Tesla’s Perspective
From Tesla’s perspective, the hackathon was more than just a competition; it was an investment in the future of clean energy and technology. Sinai Solomon, Business Development Specialist at Tesla, emphasized how vital it is for students to start thinking about the issues that will define their generation.
“A challenge like this is super important because it exposes students to real-world problems early in their careers. As we move towards Net Zero, these students are the ones who will need to come up with the solutions.”
The hackathon gave the students a fresh perspective on the technological challenges standing in the way of smart cities and sustainable energy. And it didn’t take long for the students to rise to the occasion.
“It was incredible to see the students go from being reserved and unsure about Tesla’s products to developing their own unique, innovative solutions,” says Shane Thein, Sales Engineer at Tesla. “They’ve thought of solutions that are outside the box, which is exactly the kind of mindset we need to solve energy problems.”
The Value of Participation: A Life-Changing Opportunity
For students, the hackathon is more than just a competition—it’s a chance to gain valuable industry insights, expand their networks, and develop essential skills for the workforce. Shane Bannister believes this is what makes the event so impactful.
“Understanding how to create a problem statement, develop a solution, and pitch that solution are all skills that are critical, not just in the workforce, but in life. Launch Pad has created an incredible platform for students to foster these skills.”
This sentiment was echoed by the students themselves. Alan, from Smart Rubbish, shared how the experience helped him develop personally and professionally. “I would 100% recommend all Western Sydney University students to take part in events like this. It’s an amazing opportunity to grow, learn, and expand your skills.”
