+ What is the Grand Challenge?
The Grand Challenge is a broad event designed to build a robust solution to a specific problem. In this challenge, you will hear from industry experts about the problem of emissions reporting and then form interdisciplinary teams. When applications open, you will research deeply into the problem landscape and begin to develop your idea or solution. You will be guided by innovation mentors available throughout the submission process and finally develop a 3-minute video presentation for online submission discussing your solutions’ merits according to the marking criteria.
+ Who should attend the Grand Challenge?
One person must be a student or staff member or alumni with all team members based in Australia. Prior experience within the energy sector is not a requirement. We want to see a wide range of attendees, including industry experts, business owners, business professionals, entrepreneurs, scientists, researchers, students, coders, and graphic designers.
+ I don’t live in Newcastle. How can I get involved?
Good news! If you are unable to attend any in-person events, you can still submit your idea using the online submission process. The series of events are however designed to facilitate in-person interactions and community building. We hope to see you there!
+ Is there any online access to these events?
We will record our Information Session and Expert Panels and upload these to the website. The Pitch Workshop and the Awards Night will be held in person with no recording. This is due to the nature of the events and the strong networking focus to build innovative networks.
+ Is there any guidance on what data sets might be available for us to work with?
When the challenge opens, we will provide access to a resource page for all attendees to view as they become available to us.
+ Is the use of AI in the challenge accepted?
Of course! We are seeking a broad range of solutions and as long as the solution meets the criteria and provides value, it will celebrated.
+ What will a good solution look like?
Proposed solutions can be new or improved processes, products, and/or services that help key stakeholders transition from linear to circular practices by reducing waste, maximising resource efficiency, and supporting net zero goals. A strong solution will demonstrate clear value creation through cost savings, new revenue streams, and/or improved sustainability performance, while being distinct from existing approaches and showing practical adoption potential for organisations like the University of Newcastle and its network of suppliers, partners, and consumers. Please read the ‘Judging’ section in the Rules for more information.
+ How much prior Innovation Challenge, software development or design experience do I need?
While any experience is always helpful, none is required! If your team is planning to develop a technical / digital prototype (app or website) you will need someone on the team with design and/or development experience.
+ What if I already formed a team?
Great! Please register all your team members. Details on how to do this will be provided during the information session. Please make sure atleast 1 team memeber is affiliated with the University of Newcastle.
+ What if I don’t have a team?
No problem, many participants will not. The prior events are designed for networking and team building and include an expert panel session, and a team formation session. This will allow participants with ideas to pitch them and outline the skill gaps they are seeking to fill to form a team. Those without a team who can add value to an idea / team can indicate their interest to the person pitching and, voila, you are now part of a team! One of the best outcomes of participating in the Grand Challenge is developing new connections.
+ If I want to post about the Innovation Challenge, what hashtags can I use?
Please share this event with your social followers! It is #CEGC and tag us with uon_i2n
+ What is the cost to attend the event?
All of the events in the challenge series are free thanks to Sponsorship from the University of Newcastle.
+ Will there be any hardware/equipment available for project development?
No. You will be required to use your own hardware / equipment (including desktops, laptops, monitors etc).
+ Is this an overnight Innovation Challenge?
No. To make the Grand Challenge more accessible, teams will go through an online submission process where judges will mark their ideas' merited against the set judging criteria.
+ I have a pre-conceived idea, is this okay to enter the challenge?
All ideas are accepted on merit, but we are seeking new solutions and for the solution to specifically meet the challenge criteria. In particular, problem-solution fit. Perhaps your idea requires adjustments or pivots based on the insights you have gained during the challenge and from mentor advice?
+ How many people should be in a team?
Teams must consist of a minimum of two members to a maximum of five members. Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis as decided by the Organisers.
+ Is the prize money intended to implement the idea?
The Prizes allocated are exactly that, prizes! We will have 3 grants which the winning teams will used for developing and testing their idea.
See the Terms & Conditions for more details.
+ Are usability and accessibility requirements factored into the event?
Yes, accessibility requirements are factored into every event and all locations. If you have any specific requirements and aren’t sure, please reach out to us at i2n@newcastle.edu.au
+ Will the successful initiative be eligible for future funding?
The aim of this challenge is for the University of Newcastle to identify new and innovative solutions that may potentially be considered for further development and support from the University. If any of the solutions are considered eligible for future University support and/or funding this would be discussed directly with team members outside the scope of the Challenge event.
+ Do I have to live/work in the area?
Team members must live/ work in Australia.
+ What are the marking criteria?
Please see the Terms & Conditions.
+ What is a Prototype and what is Feasibility?
A prototype is a rough draft of your idea used to explain the concept. Prototypes should follow the principles of rough, rapid and right. Feasibility is how likely you are to be able implement the solution.
+ Do I have to be an energy professional to participate?
Nope, anyone with a desire to solve big problems! Attendees from all backgrounds, educations, gender and geographies are welcome. We want to see a wide range of attendees, including energy professionals, business professionals, entrepreneurs, scientists, researchers, students, coders, and graphic designers – the list is endless. Prior experience within the energy sector is not a requirement.
+ Will the teams themselves retain full IP for the ideas submitted?
Whatever IP that is generated from the challenge is the teams’ responsibility to organise and distribute. For instance, if some members of the team wish to continue with the idea after the challenge, then it is the teams’ responsibility to organise any IP. The University takes no responsibility for IP distribution and ownership generated during the challenge.
If you are a staff member or a student of the University of Newcastle, please refer to your individual IP policy from the University.
+ Are there different expectations for new ideas versus ideas that are pre-conceived?
All ideas will be judged on merit of the concept and feasibility. This will be taken into consideration by the judges on the day but all ideas will be marked according to the criteria.
+ Is there any future investment/post challenge support?
The University of Newcastle’s I2N run accelerator programs and offer student courses, more information about them can be found on their website linked here:
University of Newcastle I2N: Integrated Innovation Network (I2N) / Business and Industry / Engage / The University of Newcastle, Australia
+ What if this FAQ didn’t answer my questions?
Please email us at i2n@newcastle.edu.au if you’re in any way confused or concerned and we’ll do all that we can to help out!