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Supporting the young innovators of tomorrow in pursuit of something greater!
What’s it all about?
“Schools need to prepare us for our future.” - Cooper 14 years old, Geraldton WA.
Our students are eco-literate. Climate Change Education (UNESCO) has been woven into the curriculum for the past 20 years. However, feedback from students, as evidenced by Cooper’s statement above, informs us that warnings of global warming and natural disasters are insufficient preparation for a challenging future. NextGen Entrepreneurs guides our students from identifying a problem to becoming engaged, enabled, and empowered innovators. With confidence, they can contribute to a Carbon Zero Future.
NextGen teaches social and environmental solution thinking while refining STEM understandings & knowledge, with design skills and strategies. Together with sustainable industry and aligned partners, students will meet the challenge of giving form to ideas to co-create a Carbon Zero Future.
Students can take part in our NextGen Entrepreneurs program as part of a class project utilising our education package or individually by attending (or watching) our after-school workshops.
*Please note, students should attend at least 1 x Ideas Workshop to participate. All finalists must attend one or both Pitch Like a Pro Workshops to pitch at the Final Pitch Night.
Education Package
The NextGen program is designed to be flexible and adaptable. It features open-ended tasks that allow for extension and differentiation. The lesson plans and assessment opportunities align with the West Australian Curriculum, providing effective teaching and learning practices to help students develop their innovative ideas from inception to pitch.
*Please note, these education packages are the same as 2024.
Competition
All participants are encouraged to submit their innovative ideas for a Carbon Zero Future as a poster or video for the competition. Finalists in each age category will receive additional training and support to refine their pitches, which they will present to a panel of judges at our pitch night event.
Eligibility: The competition is open to students within the Midwest from school years 5-10.
Prizes
$500 - Major Prize | $250 - Runner Up
There are three categories: Year 5+6, Year 7+8, and Year 9+10.
Workshops
Workshops will take place at Pollinators City Hive, 184 Marine Tce, Geraldton, and at Rocks Laneway as part of the school holiday program (see key dates above). These workshops will guide students through the design thinking process to help them identify the problems they want to solve.
FAQs
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Send, email or drop off your completed Entry Form and Poster (or video) to CityHive before the closing date.
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Sorry but no.
Why? Because as part of this program we want to teach kids the process of Design Thinking. An import part of that process is learning how to go from 100’s of amazing ideas to one fantastic solution.
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Ideas can be totally new and novel designs, an improvement on an existing design, a new application of existing technology, a new app, device or process that reduces your carbon footprint.
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No!
However we strongly recommend that you do to give yourself the best chance at winning.
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Yes!
You can submit your entry anytime after 3 October 2025.
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No, we have trained facilitators on-site at all times.
2021 Pitch Night Highlights
A snapshot of the winning pitches.
Be a Change Maker!
Partner with us and make
a lasting impact on youth innovation!
Download our prospectus to find out how you can get involved.
