Australians are embracing the pickleball craze by the thousands. Last year, more than 92,000 Australians had played the paddle sport, which combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis.
One Coast local, Norbert Zielinski from PACT Paddles, is riding the wave of the sport’s phenomenal popularity. His innovative pickleball paddles landed him winner of the 2025 Generation Innovation (GI) Challenge at the GI Challenge Pitch night on October 8 at Mooloolaba.
Norbert’s innovation impressed judges and the audience earning him the top honour and a $10,000-plus prize package.
He was among 11 young entrepreneurs representing 10 ventures at the challenge.
In a jam-packed few months, the budding entrepreneurs participated in masterclasses, boot camps, market research, pitching and interviews.
Supported by their mentors and the GI team, this year’s cohort demonstrated incredible growth during the program and deep passion and commitment to realising the potential of their ideas.
On the final pitch night, three finalists presented their pitch videos and answered questions from a panel of judges: Jasmin Jobson from Silk District with her silk-lined hoodies bringing hair care and style together; Caitlin Gillet and Alice Kidston from Dignity Wash with their body wash designed to bring hygiene and dignity to people all over the world; and Norbert Zielinski from PACT Paddles.
“We have been blown away by the passion, focus and determination from this year’s Generation Innovation entrepreneur cohort and their drive to build their ventures,” GI Challenge chair Shane Cunningham said.
“We’re very grateful to our partners and mentors who we rely on to run Generation Innovation and deliver the challenge each year, especially our platinum partner, Youi, who is now in their fifth year of generously supporting the GI Challenge.”
The runners-up each received $2000 towards building their ventures.
The Spirit of GI Award went to the founder of Fable Bears, Tallulah Marsh. She received $1000 in recognition of her commitment to the GI Challenge program and the determination she displayed to turn her idea into a business.
The success of the GI Challenge over the past 11 years is testament to the community’s commitment to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit of young people and driving innovation forward.
The GI Challenge is an independently run entrepreneurship program for 15 to 21-year-olds from the Sunshine Coast and Noosa that unleashes the innovation of young people.
It has run annually since 2015 and empowers young entrepreneurs to translate an idea into a viable business through mentoring, skills development and business connections in a collaborative and inspiring environment.
