In search of young, innovative and inspiring minds

The search for the Gold Coast’s innovative and inspiring young minds is on again. 

Mayor Tom Tate today launched the third annual Mayor’s Telstra Technology Award, which gives high school students the opportunity to develop a technological product or idea.       

Run in partnership with Telstra and Bond University, Cr Tate said the award presented an opportunity for students to dream big and prepare themselves for the future.

“At its heart, this competition is about the bigger picture for our city – it’s about bolstering the Gold Coast’s place in the technology and innovation industries,” he said.

“It aims to nurture the knowledge base that exists among our young people and translate it into something tangible that has credibility in the real world. We want to see high school graduates choosing to study here and then finding or creating jobs to keep them living on the Gold Coast which in turn, keeps our economy thriving.”

Telstra’s General Manager for the Gold Coast Darren Clark said Telstra was delighted to again support the Mayor’s Telstra Technology Awards.

“We are committed to fostering innovation and education. This wonderful initiative is a perfect example of how businesses and the community can connect to provide unique opportunities for our young innovators and business leaders, to further develop their entrepreneurial skills,”   said Mr Clark.

Bond University Vice Chancellor Professor Tim Brailsford said the awards were a great ‘fit’ for the university and its ethos.

“Innovation and entrepreneurship are part of our DNA at Bond and we believe it’s vital that this ‘have a go’ spirit is instilled in the next generation of students,’’ he said.

“Given the extremely high calibre of entrants in previous years, our academics are excited to see what concepts this year’s students will create and look forward to working closely with them to help shape and evolve their ideas.”

Lynette Connolly, Academy of Maths and Science Coordinator at Varsity College, said the teams entered last year had grown in confidence.

“I think it’s taught them how to be entrepreneurs and differ from the competition. I definitely expect some of them to take up careers in the tech space,” she said.   

Open to students from Years 9 to 12 in all Gold Coast high schools, Phase One entries close on 27 July, with the 12 finalist teams announced on 10 August.

In Phase Two, Bond University will host four mentoring sessions where students will be coached and assisted by members of the teaching faculty and technical representatives from Telstra.  Winners will be announced following a special “pitch” presentation at Bond on 9 November.

• First prizefor the winning school includes: $5000 cash and entry to Australia’s biggest theme park, Dreamworld, with an exclusive behind the scenes Engineering Tour.
• First prize for the winning team: Three Samsung Galaxy S7 4GX mobile phones and 3 × Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 2 speakers.
• Second prize: Three iPad Air 2 4G 16GB.
• Third prize: Three Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 2 speakers.
• People’s Choice Award: One Telstra Thanks® private screening at a Gold Class cinema with invited guests.

The Mayor’s Technology Awards 2016 are proudly sponsored by Telstra, Bond University, Dreamworld and Startup Apprentice. For information visit cityofgoldcoast.com.au/techaward