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
How do I apply?
Applications for Semester 2 have now closed. To be notified when applications for Semester 1 open in April 2027, please complete the expression of interest form.
Express interest here
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).
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. There is no minimum WAM required to apply for the Business Innovation Challenge. We encourage eligible students from all academic backgrounds and levels of experience to apply.
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No. These programs are only available to students enrolled in an eligible Faculty of Business and Economics (FBE) degree. Studying an FBE subject or major, such as Economics, as part of a degree offered by another faculty does not make you eligible.
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No prior case competition or consulting experience is required. The program is designed to support you through the process, with structured activities and guidance from industry professionals.
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Students apply individually and teams are allocated as part of the program. This gives you the opportunity to work with and meet other FBE students.
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Yes. You must be available to attend the full two days in person. The activities build across both days and your team will rely on your participation throughout the challenge.
Have more questions?
Send us an email with your student ID if you have a question about the Business Innovation Challenge.