The challenge provides opportunities for Year 8 students to engage in entrepreneurial learning. With support from industry mentors, students apply design thinking, developing innovative solutions to a local issue or problem.
The Minister’s Innovation Challenge provides an opportunity for a broad range of Year 8 students at public schools throughout Western Australia to engage in design thinking and entrepreneurial education. In 2025, 40 teams of Year 8 students will be selected to participate in the 6-week challenge.
Each team will develop innovative solutions to local issues or problems, supported by their school and an industry mentor. The 5 top-ranked school teams will share the $35,000 cash prize and some of the final pitches will be showcased during an online exhibition.
For more information on key dates and participating schools in 2025, refer to The Minister's Innovation Challenge 2025.
The feedback below captures the sentiments of the teachers who have participated in the challenge.
I will admit to feeling nervous and a bit daunted before the teacher induction. The induction day was extremely helpful and I liked that we followed the same path that students will undertake. It helped me to really feel part of this process.
The resources provided were a huge support and allowed facilitation of activities and processes to happen seamlessly.
The kids have really loved the process. It has been great to have a 5-week program and not 4, it has allowed so much more reflection and discussion.
The industry mentor was really knowledgeable and was really great with the kids.