Young people prototype viable solutions at Kickstarter 2022
Students from four New England secondary schools participated in Kickstarter 2022, and devised impressive solutions to community challenges.
UNE SMART Region Incubator Expert in Residence Ian Mason led workshops in four schools and at NOVA Armidale, from 21-25 November, then facilitated a final pitch on 5 December.
Students from Guyra Central School, O’Connor Catholic Catholic College, PLC Armidale and New England Girls School devised impressive solutions to community challenges.
The program, delivered by UNE SRI in partnership with NSW Department of Education and Training, asked participants to consider Kickstarter’s 2022 theme ‘Healthy and Sustainable Communities’. They were challenged to answer the question: ‘How can we create a healthier and more sustainable community?’
Working in teams at their schools, students focussed on one area: Being Green, Being Happy, Staying Healthy, Being a Community, Connecting, Using and Wasting, Saving, or Getting Old.
Each team of students found creative solutions, and developed a viable prototype during the one day workshop at their school!
Solutions were pitched and prototypes demonstrated (including apps, websites and other tools) at each school. Selected teams then had an opportunity to take their ideas further and pitch against teams from the other schools.
“The standard of the pitches was truly exceptional, which made the judging process exceedingly difficult,” said Sewa Emojong, UNE SRI Startup Activator.
“Due to the high standard of pitch concepts, the judges awarded prizes based on which pitches could best utilise the opportunity to move forward with their proposed ideas.”
After careful assessment of the 8 final pitches, the following prizes were awarded:
YOUnity, A mental health resource, assistance, and community connection app - PLC Armidale - Department of Education $2000 prize + UNE SRI mentorship with Ian Mason.
YouGroove, A Youth mental health awareness Youtube channel - Guyra Central School - Zondii $500 prize + UNE SRI mentorship with Ian Mason
OurChoice A platform to uplift the voices of people living with a disability, to provide direct feedback on what is needed to make their communities more accessible - PLC Armidale - Ian Mason Prize + UNE SRI mentorship with Ian Mason
“These prizes were awarded alongside a very special mention to O'Connor, NEGS and other Guyra Central finalists for their fantastic pitches!”
“Due to the strength of all the pitches, if any of the teams would like pursue their ideas further, or receive assistance to grow an idea into a business proposition, please contact me at UNE SRI!”
This initiative was made possible by the Department of Education via the RIEP initiative, in partnership with the UNE SMART Region Incubator and Humble.
Scorched is proudly funded by NSW and Commonwealth Government through a BCRRF grant and delivered by the UNE SMART Region Incubator.