From functional underwear to e-scooter education programs and fidget pens, an entrepreneurial challenge that recognises the up-and-coming business minds of the region is gearing up a level.
The 2024 Generation Innovation (GI) Challenge has officially launched, with 10 young entrepreneurs selected to participate in the three-month program.
Generation Innovation encourages people aged 15 to 21 to be empowered to turn their ideas into a business through mentoring, skills development and networking in a collaborative environment.
This marks the 10th year of the event across the Sunshine Coast and Noosa regions, and aims to foster innovation and ultimately tackle unemployment.
GI founder Ted O’Brien kicked off the program with Originate Day on July 20.
“What we see is young people defining a problem in the marketplace they believe they can solve,” said Mr O’Brien, who is the federal Member for Fairfax.
“We’ve seen a range of ventures emerging.”
GI director Shane Cunningham said the entrepreneurs had the opportunity to learn from a pool of local business mentors as part of the program.
“The GI Challenge is a way for young people to act on their entrepreneurial spirit,” he said. “We pair them up with a mentor, one on one, from day one.”
Concept Labs general manager and GI mentor Naomi Elliot said she enjoyed seeing the potential and helping the young thinkers discover what is possible.
“As a mentor, I’m helping guide them through and just seeing them get excited about what they can do, and where it can go,” she said.
Related story: How budding entrepreneurs can turn ideas into a business
Youi is once again partnering with the challenge and held the launch event at its headquarters on July 15.
“We are proud to continue our long-standing partnership with Generation Innovation since we became Platinum Sponsors in 2020 and support the young entrepreneurs who enter the challenge every year,” Youi’s Craig Chesterman said.
Supported by their mentors, the young entrepreneurs will also participate in two boot camps and a pitch event.
The program will culminate in a Pitch Night on October 2, where one entrepreneur will win a $20,000 prize package to develop their business.
To find out more visit generationinnovation.com.au.
2024 young entrepreneurs
- Isla McMahon, Pedal Power
- Luc Yllera, Ride Safe
- James Sadler, Guardian’s Angel
- Spencer Abbott and Jack Coombes, Launched Sportswear
- Georgia Winnett and Mia Mullarvey, Bear-Able
- Eli Alksne, Fundies
- Jayme Pele-Whiteman, Electro-Vision
- Quinn Kruizinga, The Focus Pen
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