Top 10 ideas shortlisted for Mayor’s innovation awards

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Mayor's Telstra Innovation Awards finalist team Melior Terra
Mayor's Telstra Innovation Awards finalist team Melior Terra.

Creative tech solutions have been presented by students throughout the region and 10 finalists have been selected to progress to phase two of the Mayor’s Telstra Innovation Awards.

The awards call on students in Years 9, 10 and 12 to form teams of three and develop an innovative idea.

Mayor Jack Dempsey said that judges had a difficult time selecting a finalist group from the 23 submissions.

Innovative ideas covered a range of sectors including recycling, tourism, health and wellbeing, disaster management and energy consumption.

“The quality of all submissions received was exceptional,” Mayor Dempsey said.

“We were also extremely pleased with the interest from schools and students. The Bundaberg Region put forward a higher number of submissions in its first year of the awards than some bigger Queensland cities.

“I heartily congratulate the finalist teams and wish them success in the next stage of the competition. I would also like to thank every student and teacher who participated in the submission process.

“The quality and number of projects put forward leaves me with no doubt that the next Steve Jobs or Bill Gates could be emerging from our talented crop of young entrepreneurs.”

The 10 finalists are:

1 Kyoor – St Luke's Anglican
2 Raksha – St Luke's Anglican
3 Alpha – Bundaberg State High
4 Medi – Checker – Bundaberg Christian College
5 Travel Aider – Conscious Nomads – Shalom College
6 Ever Onwards – Gin Gin State High
7 Melior Terra – St Luke's Anglican
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Safe Space – Bundaberg Christian College
9 Council of Cool – North Bundaberg State High
10 Swift Phoenixes – Shalom College

During the next 10 weeks the finalist teams will develop their concepts further with assistance from mentors from a range of local businesses and organisations.

May Boisen, Regional General Manager at Telstra Retail and Regional, said it was exciting to see so many high calibre entries received in the first year of the awards.

“It really shows just how much talent is out there in the Bundaberg Region’s youth,” Ms Boisen said.

“I am looking forward to seeing how these ideas are refined over the mentoring period.”

The third and final stage will be held at the end of June and gives teams the opportunity to pitch their concept direct to the panel of judges.