Gain relevant industry experience through this immersive two-day program. Receive guidance to develop and pitch a solution in a small team to a real business challenge, receiving feedback from industry experts. Build in-demand skills, expand your network and compete for a 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 2, 2026
- Monday 17 August 2026
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9:00am
Applications Open
- Sunday 30 August 2026
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11:59pm
Applications Close
- Thursday 10 September 2026
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By 5:00pm
Application Outcomes Sent
- Sunday 13 September 2026
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11:59pm
Deadline to Confirm Participation
- Tuesday-Wednesday 29-30 September 2026
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8:30am - 5:00pm
Semester 2 Delivery A
- Thursday-Friday 1-2 October 2026
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8:30am - 5:00pm
Semester 2 Delivery B
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
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).
How do I apply?
Applications for Semester 2 open 17 August, 2026. If you’re an eligible student and would like to receive an email reminder when registrations open, please complete the Expression of Interest form below.
Applying is quick and straightforward, taking around 5 minutes to complete. Simply answer a few short questions about your course and motivation for participating.
Have a question?
Send us an email with your student ID if you have a question about the Business Innovation Challenge.