Calling all Bright Young Minds… Who Want to Change the World!
Published 24 January 2023
Entries are now open for the 2023 Mayor’s Telstra Innovation Awards (MTIA), with Council hoping to see a record number of school entries.
The MTIA is open to students in grades 9-12, who are attending school within the Moreton Bay local government area.
Mayor Peter Flannery said the MTIA program helps students learn, explore and develop their entrepreneurial passions.
“These awards are all about giving students the confidence to transform what might be a dream or a small scheme into something big that could really make a difference to our community,” he said.
“During the program, students will connect with mentors to help develop industry-relevant skills and promote critical thinking. Students will gain the tools they need to bring their creative ideas to life.
“Last year we saw 21 teams from eight different local schools present an incredible array of pioneering ideas to solve real-life problems, and we’re hoping for even more school registrations this year!
“The 2022 teams created innovative solutions for all manner of problems from affordable temporary housing to life-saving smart bands, as well as apps to help the homeless and QR codes designed to simplify recycling.
“I can’t wait to see what the 2023 entrants come up with.”
There are more than $10,000 in prizes up for grabs, including prize packs for the first, second and third placing teams and their schools, school trophies for the top three placing teams, certificates for all finalist teams, and of course the Award for Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year.
Telstra Regional General Manager May Boisen said 20022 was Moreton Bay’s inaugural tilt at the awards, and she is already looking forward to the 2023 competition.
“The awards aim to drive the youth in our communities to look at technology as a tool for innovation, rather than just a source of entertainment and fun,” she said.
“We encourage ideas that demonstrate an innovative use of technology to solve a community, environmental, or business issue.
“The program is local, using local experts and leaders for the mentoring sessions, engaging with TAFE and universities along with Mayors, Councils and of course the schools.
“We aim to educate the students not only about technology and innovation, entrepreneurship and business skills, but also have them understand that world-class ideas and businesses don’t have to be based in major cities to be successful - thus supporting economic development objectives of local councils.”
For more information on the Mayor’s Telstra Innovation Awards visit: https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/Business-Investment/Innovation-Awards