Bond University is involved in a new competition for high school students to help bolster the Gold Coast’s place on the technology and innovation map.
The inaugural Mayor’s Telstra Technology Award 2014, run in partnership with Telstra and Bond University, offers students the opportunity to develop a technological idea or product, such as an app or software. Open to students from Years 9 to 12 in all Gold Coast high schools, the contest runs from June to September.
Mayor Tom Tate, launching the award at Bond University yesterday, said the competition presented a superb opportunity for students to dream big.
“This is all about nurturing the knowledge base that exists among the young people of our city and translating it into something tangible,” he said. Â
“Students will work in teams of three and spend up to six weeks generating their idea, which they will then present to five board members made up of representatives from Telstra, Bond University, Samsung and Silicon Lakes, along with myself.  Â
“The board will then select 12 finalists for phase two, where each team will have five weeks to further develop their idea or concept. During this time, the students will have the opportunity to have mentoring and coaching sessions with Bond University academic staff and technical representatives from Telstra and Samsung. Finally, each of the 12 groups will present a five minute pitch to the board at a special ceremony and a winner then selected from those presentations.”
Telstra’s Area General Manager for the Gold Coast, Darren Clark, said supporting local community initiatives such as the Mayor’s Telstra Technology Award 2014 was a critical part of Telstra’s aim to better connect people, businesses and communities.
“The way the world communicates is changing rapidly – that’s why Telstra is here to support education and help build the innovators and leaders of the future. We are delighted to support and invest in this terrific grass roots program for young people right here on the Gold Coast,” Mr Clark said.
Bond University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Tim Brailsford said Bond was thrilled to be involved with the awards.
“Bond is renowned for its entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach to tertiary education, so these awards, which promote creative thinking and invention, are a great fit for us,” Professor Brailsford said.
“Our academic staff from across the world are thought and industry leaders in their fields, with skill and passion in mentoring and nurturing young talent. We can’t wait to see the big ideas these students generate.” Â
Arno Lenior, Chief Marketing Officer, Samsung Electronics Australia, said Samsung aimed to create positive change for people around the world by helping them to enjoy better education and new learning opportunities by using its innovative technology.
“Samsung is proud to support the Mayor’s Telstra Tech Awards 2014 and I’m excited to announce that we will provide $20,000 worth of Samsung products to the winning school. Together with the other partners, we hope this program will help to unleash creativity and innovative thinking among the participants.”Â
Varsity College Year 10 student, Sam Ewart, said his team was already working on developing a game along the lines of “Flappy Birds”.
“We’re very excited about the awards because at Varsity we already have our own program preparing us for the competition,” he said. Â
Prizes for the students in the winning team include:
- Three Samsung Galaxy S5
- Three Samsung Gear Fit
- Three Harman and Kardon Onyx speakers
- One Telstra Thanks® private screening at a gold class cinema with invited guests
- An educational experience – a day in the life of a Telstra or Samsung representative
Prizes for the winning school include:
- An eight-week startup apprentice program delivered by Silicon Lakes
- AÂ suite of Samsung products to the value of (RRP) $20,000
 For information about the Mayor’s Tech Awards, please visit www.cityofgoldcoast.com.au
or phone 55816474.Â
The Mayor’s Tech Awards 2014 are proudly sponsored by Telstra, Bond University, Samsung and Silicon Lakes.   Â