Community solves key energy challenges at EPIC
The inaugural Energy Powered Innovation Challenge (EPIC) invited people from across the community to come together and work in teams to help solve key energy challenges.
“The New England region is the second, and largest of five Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) in NSW,” said Dr Lou Conway, UNE SRI Director.
“Our region is uniquely positioned to identify and create opportunities - securing NSW’s energy supply while ensuring shared prosperity locally. Exciting possibilities come from the New England community working alongside the REZ, co-designing innovations that utilise research, First Nations and other local knowledge, ensure community benefit, preserve the natural environment, and keep the energy here through circular economy solutions.”
Industry, government, education, and community representatives met at NOVA in March for a round table discussion - a first step towards developing opportunities from energy and renewables, and to identify the four challenge statements to be addressed at EPIC:
· How might we generate stories to engage and inspire the whole community in our renewable energy future;
· How might we use renewable energy to create the rubbish revolution, turning waste into opportunity;
· In the face of a changing climate, how might we make sure the lights stay on at home and at work;
· How might we lead the way in re-imagining the regional jobs and services of the future.
EPIC, held in Armidale on 27 and 28 April 2023, engaged diverse talents to consider challenges and design solutions that impact locally and globally.
“Hackathon style events provide space and opportunity for the community to participate in innovative co-creation,” Dr Conway said.
“Innovation challenges generate rapid prototyping of ideas and provide solutions that can make impact. Ideas quickly grow into opportunities!”
Almost 40 people, mostly high school and University students spent an intensive day devising innovative solutions, then each team landed a pitch.
“We were thrilled to see so much energy and focus in the room - and even more excited to hear the ideas pitched at the end of the day,” said Dr Conway.
“Each team designed a real solution to a real challenge, and each solution has potential to make real impact in our community.”
While the SRI is keen to encourage and support all teams, two were awarded prizes at the end of the day:
A.I.R.R (Australian Innovation of Renewable Resources), is an app that aims to address the issues of worker shortage, training, accommodation, community, and communication. The team received $4000 towards next steps, including an event that would enable them to connect with potential stakeholders and develop their idea further.
High school students developed a methane capturing solution to generate energy and heat Armidale’s public pool. The team received $1000 to take their idea to next level – beginning with an event at Armidale Secondary College to bring together potential stakeholders and community.
It is expected that each of these solutions will be further explored and developed in an intensive pre-accelerator program being delivered by UNE SRI in early 2023!
“The depth of talent in the space, and the ideas generated during the one day ‘sprint and pitch’ were impressive. We are excited for next steps!”
Thank you to facilitator Jai Allison and mentors. Thank you to the judges: Jeff Hilton (ATCO Australia), Todd Redwood (Deputy Mayor, Armidale Regional Council), and Lou Conway (UNE SRI)
EPIC was supported by regional collaborators including Armidale Regional Council, NSW Government, University of New England, their mentors and amazing networks of community supporters.
EPIC was an output of the Scorched project. Scorched was proudly funded by NSW and Commonwealth Government through a BCRRF grant and delivered by the UNE SMART Region Incubator.
