Imagine a games event that challenges teams to find more innovative ways to help businesses reduce landfill. No, it’s not another Reality TV show. It’s the first National Innovation Games event launched today on the Gold Coast by the Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews.
Today’s event challenged teams to find ways to improve business waste management. At the end of the challenge, teams pitched their solutions to a judging panel, which chose the winning idea.
Over the next 2 years, up to 30 Games events will take place across metropolitan and regional areas. Each event will focus on a locally relevant, real-life challenge. Participants will come from small to medium enterprises, universities, other tertiary institutions and large corporate sponsors. Most students and graduates will have backgrounds in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Together they will be tasked to find innovative and practical solutions to an identified business challenge.
The Games will provide participants with various opportunities:
- Students and graduates gain valuable experience, knowledge, networks, skills and potential employment opportunities.
- Business owners and employees upgrade their skills.
- Business owners gain innovative ideas to run their businesses and adapt to future challenges.
- Business owners see the practical application and value of STEM skills for their businesses.
- Businesses improve their digital capability and customer services offerings.
The government is providing $3.5 million to fund the Games program over the next 2 years. It’s part of the government’s commitment to encourage business innovation and build a stronger STEM-skilled Australian workforce.
Read more
- The Minister launched the first National Innovation Games on 21 August 2019
- The Minister highlighted initiatives in Budget 2019–20 to boost STEM skills in workforce on 2 April 2019
- Read more about STEM initiatives we support
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Email NIG@industry.gov.au