The Minister's Innovation Challenge 2023
The Minister's Innovation Challenge 2023
Up to 30 teams of Year 8 students from WA public schools will participate in The Minister’s Innovation Challenge 2023. Students will use design thinking to develop innovative solutions to local issues or problems.
The challenge aims to prepare our young people to lead and innovate in our changing world. It also forms part of the Career Learning Toolkit, which addresses the need for career learning for secondary school students.
The challenge provides an opportunity for a broad range of Year 8 students to engage in entrepreneurial education. They receive support from their school and from a local industry mentor, who will provide advice and valuable insights.
School staff can nominate a team of 6 to 8 Year 8 students to compete in the 5-week challenge. A teacher from each participating school will coordinate their team of students and help them engage with the online lessons.
Staff can access more information about the challenge and nominate a student team on our intranet, Ikon.
Teams submit their final pitches online and the 3 top-ranked teams will share a $10,000 cash prize pool. The Minister for Education will announce the winning teams during an online exhibition.
Key dates and activities
| Dates | Activity |
|---|---|
| 3 August 2023 | The Minister for Education launches the challenge and student team nominations open. |
| 21 August 2023 | Student team nominations close. |
| 24 August 2023 | School staff are notified of outcomes. |
| 7 September 2023 | Resources become available for school coordinators. |
| 9 October 2023 | The challenge begins. |
| 9 October to 10 November 2023 | Industry mentors are available to support school staff and students. |
| 10 November 2023 | The challenge closes and teams submit their final pitches. |
| Week beginning | The Minister for Education announces the 3 top-ranked teams at an online exhibition. |
Become an industry mentor
Industry mentors are key to the success of the challenge! Each team of Year 8 students is supported by an experienced industry operator.
Industry mentors can have either a:
- track record in leading, or being one of the key players in, start-ups
- background in innovation in a public company
They will also have:
- an interest in mentoring young people openly and respectfully
- a Working with Children Check or National Police Clearance Check, or be willing to obtain one.
If you would like to be involved as an industry mentor, express your interest to Dr Lucy Halsall, Principal Consultant, Curriculum Priorities by email at lucy.halsall@education.wa.edu.au or phone at (08) 6206 2039.