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 1, 2026
- Monday 23 March 2026
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9:00am
Applications Open
- Sunday 12 April 2026
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11:59pm
Applications Close
- Thursday 16 April 2026
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By 5:00pm
Application Outcomes Sent
- Sunday 19 April 2026
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11:59pm
Deadline to Confirm Participation
- Monday-Tuesday 11- 12 May 2026
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8:30am - 5:00pm
Semester 1 Program Delivery
- Monday-Tuesday 13 - 14 July 2026
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8:30am - 5:00pm
Winter Program Delivery A
- Wednesday-Thursday 15 - 16 July 2026
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8:30am - 5:00pm
Winter Program 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
How to apply
Applications for Semester 1 have now closed. To be notified when applications for when Semester 2 open in August 2026, please complete the expression of interest form.
Express Interest Here
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.