Innovators deliver solutions others can’t and bring endless value to their companies. They create new products, processes and ideas and look at problems from outside the box. Innovation and entrepreneurship are hallmarks of Griffith, where students are offered a range of opportunities to think big, develop concepts and take their ideas to the next level.
The Griffith Innovation Challenge is one such opportunity where students work individually or in teams to develop a concept, venture or product, and compete for $10,000 in prize money to support the launch of their idea.
Department of Business Strategy and Innovation’s Head of Department, Professor Rosemary Stockdale says all course participants benefit.
“Industry mentoring is a key element of the course,” Professor Stockdale explains.
“Griffith alumni who have become entrepreneurs mentor individuals and teams to help shape their ideas into viable businesses.”
“The whole point of the Challenge is to instill innovation and creativity as core attributes of participants, because surveys show this is what major industries and employers are looking for,” Professor Stockdale says.
An app-based scheme designed to reduce food wastage has emerged triumphant at this year’s Challenge.
‘SnackSwap’ is the brainchild of visiting Griffith Business School student entrepreneur Aurora Pavlish-Carpenter who was awarded the $10,000 in industry sponsorship to take her concept to the next stage.
Challenge Convenor, Professor Evan Douglas paid tribute to the finalists saying all the ideas have potential to become viable business propositions.
“All the participants who completed the course benefit from the hands-on industry mentoring they receive throughout the twelve weeks as well as credit points towards their degree.
“Instilling innovation and creativity boosts student employability,” Professor Douglas said.
The pilot course, open to undergraduates from all academic groups, was backed by industry partners RedEye and Transit Australia Group whose CEO Michael McGee is himself an alumnus of Griffith having completed a Bachelor of Leisure Management and Master of Management at Griffith Business School.
Challenge winner, Aurora Carpenter with Irena Yashin-Shaw, Challenge judge and member of the Department of Business Strategy and Innovation Industry Advisory Board. (Photo supplied)
