Registrations open for Scorched: Youth Innovation Summit

New England young people are invited to register for the inaugural Youth Innovation Summit – a key part of UNE SMART Region Incubator’s Scorched project.

“Students and other young people (15-18 years) are invited to catapult themselves into the world of innovation by finding business solutions to bushfire challenges,” said Sewa Emojong, UNE SRI Start-up Activator and manager of the Scorched Project.

“The Summit provides a fantastic opportunity for young people who want to take climate action, were impacted by the 2019/2020 bushfire season, or have worked on or dreamed of making their own business or side hustle.”

‘Scorched: Youth Innovation Summit’ will be held on 6th and 7th April 2022, at NOVA 122 Faulkner Street, Armidale.

Well-known entrepreneur educator Adam Mostogl will facilitate the Summit, drawing on his experience and expertise as Chief Entrepreneur of ‘The Van Diemen Project’ and Founder of ‘Illuminate Education Australia’.

“Adam has great experience connecting people in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, elevating passions, growing opportunities, and making impact,” Sewa said.

“The Summit will give participants hands on practical experience of how to turn an idea into a start-up, and help address important bushfire challenges along the way!”

Young people will meet founders of start-up companies growing solutions to real world climate challenges. They will share their own experiences of the drought and bushfire, and meet firefighters who struggled to manage the impact. They will have the chance to experiment with solutions to the challenges that our community, firefighters and land managers experienced throughout one of Australia’s most devastating bushfires and help to prepare for a changing climate.

At the end of the two days, participants will pitch their ideas to key members of our community – such as from Armidale Regional Council, Rural Fire Service, Landcare, CWA and others driving change.

“The Summit will be held at NOVA, the newly launched home to start-ups and innovative business in the Armidale area,” said Sewa.

“It is a perfect opportunity to connect budding entrepreneurs with our region’s entrepreneurial community.”

Due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, the event is limited to 35 participants. Participants will be selected based on suitability and interest in the event.

Registrations have been extended to: 5pm, Friday, 18th March 2022

If you are, or know a young person who would be a great fit for the Innovation Summit, please download the registration form on the UNESRI Website HERE