The Gold Coast is seeking the next generation of inventors, digital developers, innovators and entrepreneurs.
Mayor Tom Tate has launched the 2015 Mayor's Telstra Technology Award - a program to encourage Gold Coast high school students to develop a unique technological idea - at Bond University.
“We need to encourage creative thinking in students to help build the next generation of Australia’s technological minds, which in turn will help create the next generation of employers in our city,” he said.
“It’s so important we diversify our industry sectors to secure our economic future and this competition is one way we can nurture the knowledge capacity among our youth, translating it into something tangible.
“Among the fantastic ideas developed last year was an adaptable mobile phone that could be changed according to individual needs, a robotic lifeguard and an automated housing system managed via mobile phone. All these ideas had potential as viable products in the real world.
Thanks to our generous partners, the prize pool is even bigger this year and there’s also an exciting new award category - the Telstra People’s Choice Award.”
Telstra’s Area General Manager for the Gold Coast, Darren Clark, said Telstra was proud to again
“Telstra aims to better connect people, businesses and communities. Helping with education and promoting innovation through initiatives like the Mayor’s Telstra Technology Award is a great way to do this and support the local Gold Coast community," Mr Clark said.
Bond University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Tim Brailsford said young people had the intrinsic skills needed to innovate in today’s fast-paced world.
"This generation has grown up in an era where technology is a part of everyday life and adapting to rapid advancements is the norm, so they are born innovators,” Professor Brailsford said.
“Many of the most successful tech businesses in the world were started by under-30s, so it is important that we continue to foster the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in young people here on the Gold Coast.
“Our people look forward to working with the participating students and helping them to shape their ideas.”
Sean Girvin, Vice President, Sales, Enterprise Services, HP South Pacific said: “At HP we understand that creative thinking and technology have the power to transform lives, energise businesses and empower communities.
“HP is delighted to be involved in a program inspiring young minds to develop innovative ideas that can help make the world a better place.”
Prizes for the students in the winning team include:
- First Prize: 3 x HP Pavilion 15-inch Notebook PC
- Second Prize: 3 x HP Stream 8-inch Tablet
- Third Prize: 3 x HP Roar Bluetooth Speaker
Prizes for the winning school include:
- A suite of HP educational products to the value of $10,000 (RRP)
- An eight-week Start-Up apprentice program
Telstra People’s Choice Award:
- One Telstra Thanks Private Screening at a Gold Class cinema with invited guests
Key Dates:
- 27 April 2015 – Competition officially opens
- 19 June 2015 – Phase 1 entries close
- 13 July 2015 – 12 finalist teams announced
- 11 September 2015 – Phase 2 entries close
- 14 October 2015 – Presentation ceremony at Bond University
For information about the Mayor’s Tech Awards, please visit cityofgoldcoast.com.au/techaward or phone 07 5581 6474.
The Mayor’s Tech Awards 2015 are proudly sponsored by Telstra, HP, Bond University and Startup Apprentice.