New Energy Expo Futures Series: Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators
Students from Narrabri High School.
The UNE SMART Region Incubator (UNE SRI) was delighted to be part of the Narrabri New Energy Expo, designed and delivered by Geni Energy Founder Sally Hunter. This community-focused event brought together local industry leaders, innovators, and high school students to explore cutting-edge opportunities in the energy sector.
The Expo featured a Futures Series program, delivered by the UNE SRI, aimed at inspiring high school students to envision and create innovative energy solutions for households, businesses, and communities. Facilitated by UNE SRI Regional Connector Sheree Cayirylys, the program included a hands-on session with Automised Energy Founder Matt Peterson, where students learned about building a startup in the energy sector and tested energy technology in real-time.
Youth Session Highlights
Matt Peterson from Automised Energy sharing his start-up story with students.
The interactive Futures Series Youth Session featured a range of engaging activities, including:
Energy Audit Quiz: A practical tool enabling students to assess their personal energy consumption habits.
Solution Design Challenge: Students brainstormed innovative ways to save energy and reduce costs.
Exploring Careers in Renewable Energy: With over 50 occupations represented on concise career cards, students identified roles that matched their interests and strengths, marking their choices and gathering resources for further exploration.
Resource Guide: A comprehensive list of materials to learn more about careers in renewable energy.
Positive Impact and Feedback
A total of 44 students and 8 staff from Narrabri High School, Wee Waa High School, and Collarenebri Central School participated in the event. From the feedback surveys received so far:
Careers Activity, Matt Peterson’s presentation, and the Narrabri Pitch team presentation all received a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
The Energy Audit Quiz was rated 4.5 stars.
Students enthusiastically engaged with energy exhibitors, with comments like: “Excellent,” “The expo was amazing,” “I enjoyed it,” and “AMAZING show (expo).”
Featured Expo Presenters
Matt Pertson of Automised Energy and Ross Murray from Origin Energy.
The Expo featured insights from influential speakers and innovators, including:
John Dee: Keynote Speaker and Founder of PlanetArk
Andrew Hillsdon: Head of Commercial Development, Essential Energy
Professor Heidi Norman: Researcher at UNSW
Mark Squires: Re-Alliance
Mike Casey: CEO, Re-wiring Aotearoa
Matt Peterson: Founder of Automised Energy
Narrabri High School’s EvapEvo founders: Caitlyn Evans, Jobe O’Regan, Zoe O’Connor, Holly Anderson, and Stella Laws
Acknowledgements
The UNE SRI acknowledges the support of the NSW Government Boost Business Innovation Program, which made the Futures Series possible.
UNE SRI Director, Lou Conway with Matt Peterson and UNE SRI Moree Connector, Sheree Cayirylys
The incredible set-up for students to learn about career opportunities in the new energy sector.
