Turning Ideas in $1000 Winning Solutions
Mary Bul
May 13, 2024
“Big Problems. Big Solutions” – Brad Twynham If I were to summarise the Venture Makers Innovation Challenge (VMIC) in four words, it
Launch Pad hosted the sixth Venture Makers Innovation Challenge on 23 April 2024.
Venture Makers is Launch Pad’s entrepreneurship training and development program for students, researchers and staff designed to build and support an entrepreneurial culture & ecosystem.
The Venture Makers Innovation Challenge put participants in the driver’s seat to solve an emerging problem and develop and communicate innovative ideas. The skills learnt from this challenge would be valuable whether they become an employee for any organisation or choose to become an innovator, inventor or entrepreneur.
In this ONE DAY challenge, teams worked with participants from various disciplines (from Business, Communications, ICT, to Health, Psychology and others), to explore how we could use technology/digital tools in education to ensure fair access, participation, and success for all learners.
“We walked away with camaraderie, pride, and appreciation, and shine brighter than we had before.”
SABRINA YOUNG
Bachelor of International Studies
Venture Makers Innovation Challenge Participant
“We were encouraged to be BOLD in our ideas. To think BIG and step into the unknown…”
MARY BUL
Bachelor of Medical Science
Venture Makers Innovation Challenge Participant
“This has helped me go beyond my comfort zone and is something I did not picture myself completing a couple years ago.”
MIKAYLA GARLAND
Bachelor of Communication
Venture Makers Innovation Challenge Participant
The Challenge Question
"How do we disrupt education to make it more accessible and engaging?"
Participants worked with specialist mentors from startups and industry to help them develop ideas that apply advanced technology concepts and innovative business models whilst working in a real-world environment.
Participants came as individuals to meet and join forces with other participants from other disciplines to make an impact! It was a great way to connect.
The Challenge Themes
Equity and participation
Digital technology
Lifelong learning
The Prizes
* All prizes are per team member and issued in vouchers.
$8,500
Prize Pool
First prize
$1,000*
Runner up
$500*
People's choice
$200*
Challenge Winners
Members:
Abd El Halim Sobh, Cody Plumridge, Isaac Watkins, Levana Okba, Tyler Hawke
An AI Technology that analyses students’ characteristics from year 3 and places students in a career path they would thrive in.
Members:
Chi Ly, Ishraq Alim, Monalisa Banda, Rravenaa Ruthra, Simran Prasad
A government-funded program that utilises resources to outreach and bridge that gap of knowledge between traditional and non-traditional systems of education.
Members:
Daniel Bonatti, Dhimahi Walendra, Michelle Cui, Raynesh Charan, Vidushi Sethi
Where anybody can learn! A digital companion that personalized educational content to its life-long users.
Judges
Jason Wrigley
Managing Partner – Western Sydney, Ernst & Young
Professor Alphia Possamai-Inesedy
Pro Vice-Chancellor, Engagement and Advancement, Western Sydney University
Professor Michele Simons
Dean of Education, Western Sydney University
Kaitlin Hartley
Adobe Creative Campus Lead, Western Sydney University
The Benefits
Skills you learnt throughout the challenge
Soft Skills
1) Entrepreneurial Thinking
2) Problem Hacking
3) Non-verbal Communication skills
4) Radical Open-mindedness
5) Radical Creativity
6) Effective Brainstorming
7) Time Efficiency
8) Radical Empathy
9) Collaboration
Hard Skills
1) Conceptual Design
2) Pitching for Impact
3) Sustainable Development Goals
4) Innovation Hack Canvasing
5) Entrepreneurial Process
6) Sustainable Design
7) Corporate Presentation/Storytelling
Info Session
09
April
Get all the details you need to stay ahead of the game! Learn about the rules, the theme, and how to maximise your chances of success.
If you missed the infosession or wish to revisit the content, watch it here:
Challenge Day
23
April
The Venture Makers Innovation Challenge was a whole-day hackathon event.
Time: 9.00 AM – 5.00 PM
Location: Fairfield Connect – Western Sydney University’s innovative new learning hub
Program Outline
See past challenge recap
Walking Bus - From Fairfield Station
To help participants get to the challenge, we had organised a walking “bus” at Fairfield Connect – a group of people forming together to walk safely between the campus and Fairfield train station.
- From Fairfield station to Fairfield Connect: 08.30 AM – 09.00 AM
- From Fairfield Connect to Fairfield station: 05.00 PM – 05.30 PM
Shuttle Bus - From Parramatta City Campus
To help participants get to the challenge venue, we organised a shuttle between Parramatta City Campus and Fairfield Connect learning hub.
- From Parramatta City Campus to Fairfield Connect: 07.45 AM
- From Fairfield Connect learning hub to Parramatta City Campus: 06.00 PM
Photos from the challenge
Read about the challenge day!