HomeVenture Makers Innovation ChallengeDeloitte x Launch Pad Innovation Challenge

Deloitte x Launch Pad Innovation Challenge

The upcoming Venture Makers Innovation Challenge, delivered in collaboration with Deloitte, will take place on 8 September 2026 in Parramatta, bringing together interdisciplinary teams of students to tackle a real-world challenge and develop innovative solutions with industry impact. 

In this ONE-DAY challenge, you’ll work alongside students from a range of disciplines, including Business, Communications, ICT, Engineering, Health, Psychology, Law, Creative Industries and more. Together, you’ll apply creative thinking, problem-solving and collaboration skills to explore new opportunities and generate fresh ideas. 

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.

This event is available for Western Sydney University students ONLY.

The Challenge Theme

The most valuable companies in the world no longer sell products.
They build platforms.
But what if physical products could also become platforms?

Imagine:
A shoe that connects to a health ecosystem.
A transport ticket that unlocks a mobility platform.
A car that becomes part of a distributed energy grid.

Participants worked with mentors from startups, industry, and the innovation ecosystem to explore advanced technologies, creative service models, and fresh approaches — all while 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 is a great way to connect.

The Prizes

$8,750
Prize Pool
First prize
$1,000*
Plus the ultimate industry experience

Including exclusive tour, mentorship opportunity, and more!

Runner up
$500*
Plus a guided tour

Tour of Deloitte’s award-winning Sydney office at Quay Quarter Tower

People's choice
$250*
Recognition as the audience favourite

Including acknowledgement through Deloitte Innovation communications channels

1st Place

E3 (cubed)

Veron Caldera, Dhimahi Walendra, Jaybie nino Perigo, Aine Rojo, Utshaha Subedi

E3 (cubed) – the creation of an eco-smart system controlled through an AI assistive hardware application.

2nd Place

Senior Service Bot

Adam Pittman, Emily Mahchut, Druxy Hoang, Benjamin Rushworth-Curtin, Sunly Sethea

Senior Service Bot – an advanced patient medical system which utilises AI to determine levels of satisfactory care.

3rd Place

sustAIn

Linh Le, Luke Hindwood, Jade Dsouza, Khanh Tran, Shaheen Khalfan

sustAIn – a NFP that promotes digital literacy amongst the community via AI tools to minimise digital divide.

1st Place

LastByte

Meenu Meenu, Donald Gylles Varga, Alaa, Harb, Yusuf Nachabe, Lucas Tea

Lastbyte (fridge) – A smart AI assistant connecting surplus food with those who need it

2nd Place

Blue Roof

Shahad Al-Majidi, Nawid Ahmadi, Justin Shirzadian, Quinn Nguyen, Tilak Krishnamurthy

Blue Roof (Handbag) – Organisation at the press of a button

People's Choice

Phoenix

Karl Eyre, Duy Nguyen, Phoebe Ysabelle Taller, Ruthvik Chalasani, Bernadette Baiada

Phoenix (Thumb Drive) – A new take on digital security

September

08

Challenge Day

The Innovation Challenge is a whole-day event.

Time: 8.00 AM – 6.00 PM

Location: Parramatta City 1 Campus

Registrations close Friday, 5 September 2026 at 11:59am or when capacity is reached. 

This event is available for Western Sydney University students ONLY.

The Benefits

Skills you will learn 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

Industry Partner

At Deloitte, we work with businesses, governments and communities to solve complex challenges and create a better future. Through this partnership with Western Sydney University, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside Deloitte professionals, apply creative thinking to real-world issues, and experience how innovative ideas are transformed into practical solutions. We’re passionate about supporting the next generation of thinkers, creators and problem-solvers, helping students build the skills, confidence and connections needed to make an impact that matters.

'Welcome to the Metaverse'

Finalists

The teams worked to conceptualise metaverse solutions in areas such as mental health, diagnostic tools for dementia, therapeutic approaches for treating lower back pain, innovation in retail, marine conservation, immersion, social good, fitness through human-machine integration, and sustainability, with six teams – AquaMeta, Virtualizon, NASA, MemoVerse, The Good Team, and The Three Musketeers –  progressing to the final.

Read media release: Venture Makers Innovation Challenge embraces the Metaverse.

'Last Byte'

Winners

The teams worked to conceptualise everyday products into a platform that could connect to something more. 12 teams came together with ‘Lastbyte’ taking the win. Their idea was a smart AI assistant connecting surplus food with those who need it.

Mentors

Our mentors are experienced industry professionals who guide participants throughout the challenge. They provide valuable insights, challenge ideas, and help teams refine their concepts, ensuring solutions are both innovative and grounded in real-world application.

Judges

Our judges are a panel of industry experts who evaluate each team’s final pitch. Drawing on their experience, they assess ideas based on creativity, feasibility, and impact, recognising the concepts with the strongest potential.

Challenge Day

8

September

The Innovation Challenge is a whole-day event.

Time: 8.00 AM – 6.00 PM

Location: Parramatta City, Building 1 Campus

REGISTER TODAY! Registrations close Friday, 5 September 2026 at 11:59am or when capacity is reached. 

This event is available for Western Sydney University students ONLY.

Program Outline
See past challenge recap

Walking Bus - From Bankstown Station

To help participants get to the challenge, we had organised a walking “bus” on Bankstown City Campus – a group of people forming together to walk safely between the campus and Bankstown train station.

  • From Bankstown station to Bankstown City Campus: 08.30 AM – 09.00 AM
  • From Bankstown City Campus to Bankstown 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 bus from Parramatta City Campus to Bankstown City Campus.

  • From Parramatta City Campus to Bankstown City Campus: 07.30 AM 
  • From Bankstown City Campus to Parramatta City Campus: 06.00 PM

Photos from the challenge