Dive into the world of business innovation and create lasting impact for a real client! Join the Business Innovation Challenge - an immersive two-day program - to gain relevant experience and compete for a $2000 cash prize.
What is the Business Innovation Challenge?
The Business Innovation Challenge provides a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on, degree-relevant industry experience alongside your degree. This program helps you develop transferable skills and build valuable connections, boosting your employability.
Offered three times this year - during Semester 1, the Winter term, and Semester 2 - you'll work in a small cross-disciplinary team to tackle a complex business challenge faced by a real-world organisation. With guidance from industry professionals, you'll ideate, refine, and present innovative solutions, while enhancing your understanding of the modern business landscape.
Eligibility requirements:
To participate in the Business Innovation Challenge, you must:
- Be enrolled in the Faculty of Business and Economics
- Have not completed the program previously
- Be available to attend the full two-day duration of the program in-person, on campus
Program overview
The Business Innovation Challenge takes place over two days on campus. You'll collaborate with your client, work alongside peers, and develop innovative solutions, culminating in a pitch to a judging panel for a chance to win a $2000 cash prize.
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On day one, you’ll be immersed in structured activities including problem definition, foundational research, client consultations, brainstorming sessions, and idea development.
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Moving into day two, you’ll further strengthen your solution, learn how to storyboard and design a compelling pitch deck, and polish your presentation skills in a safe and supportive setting. The culmination of the program sees your team delivering your solution to the judging panel, competing for a chance to win a $2000 cash prize.
Key dates: Semester 1 and Winter, 2025
- Monday 17 March 2025
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9:00am
Applications Open
- Sunday 6 April 2025
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11:59pm
Applications Close
- Thursday 10 April 2025
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By 5:00pm
Application Outcomes Sent
- Sunday 13 April 2025
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11:59pm
Deadline to Confirm Participation
- Tuesday - Wednesday 6 - 7 May 2025
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8:30am - 5:00pm
Semester 1 Program Delivery A
- Thursday - Friday 8 - 9 May 2025
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8:30am - 5:00pm
Semester 1 Program Delivery B
- Thursday - Friday 17 - 18 July 2025
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8:30am - 5:00pm
Winter Program Delivery
Why should I participate?
Participating in the Business Innovation Challenge offers a range of benefits:
- Develop innovative solutions that will have a real-world impact
- Build transferable skills in teamwork, creative problem-solving, and communication
- Sharpen your presentation skills in a supportive environment
- Form meaningful connections with like-minded peers and industry professionals
- Gain degree-relevant experience to enhance your employability (e.g. highlight on your resume, LinkedIn, at interview).
- Compete for a $2000 cash prize
How to apply
Applications for Semester 1 and Winter, 2025 are now open and will close on Sunday 6 April at 11:59pm (AEDT). Places are limited.
Earn Melbourne Plus recognition
Melbourne Plus is the University's flagship co-curricular recognition program. By completing Business Innovation Challenge, you'll be invited to complete a reflective piece to earn the 'Innovation' Melbourne Plus digital credential to share with your network (e.g. on your resume or LinkedIn profile).
Have a question?
Send us an email with your student ID if you have a question about the Business Innovation Challenge.