An explosive national science, innovation and technology challenge for Australia’s young people!

More than ever, the challenges we face in Health, Environment, and Society demand people with a global outlook, those who can think differently, collaborate and embrace science and technology to creatively solve problems, and thrive in rapidly changing environments.

The Upstart Express is an entrepreneurial journey from Idea to Impact. Students connect around their passion and identify a problem people have. They explore how the problem affects people and imagine ways to solve it, develop a model for how to bring their solution idea to life and grow their skills and communicate their vision to the world.

How does Upstart Express work?

Students will work to solve problems across five key themes:

  • Health and Wellbeing – Solutions for physical, mental and social wellness and wellbeing.

  • Environment and Sustainability – Nurturing nature and solutions for climate, resources and waste.

  • Community and Society – Social solutions for justice, conflict, poverty and equality.

  • Food Futures – Solutions to feed our world well into the future.

  • Sport and Leisure – Solutions to enhance experiences in sport, media and leisure activities.

An immersive in-school National Science Week experience.

  • Curriculum mapped resources ready to deliver to the whole class.

  • Suitable for Years 8-10 and VCAL across a range of curriculum areas.

  • Nurture your students interest in science and technology and bring learning to life using real-world problems!

  • Minimal preparation – Upstart Express resources are available online and are ready to deliver.

  • Mentoring opportunities for your students from industry experts.

FAQs
Terms

Get in touch with us today to express your interest for our 2023 program!

The program comes with an extensive set of resources and students will also have the opportunity to receive direct feedback and evaluation of their ideas from our industry mentors, each of whom bring a wealth of real-world experience!

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What is it?

Our Science, Innovation & Technology Challenge is a national online challenge.

It’s hands-on, engaging and can lead to some fantastic industry opportunities!

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The challenge will connect students to a national network of forward-thinking leaders, industry experts and communities to create innovative solutions to our biggest problems with the aim of creating a better world for all of us.

Why is it important for today's young people?

Let them know their voice matters! Join a global movement to empower and engage young people to solve tomorrow’s problem through science and innovation.

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The world is changing fast, and increasingly complex problems needs our collective effort, brainpower skills and collaboration to reimagine our futures.

When does the Upstart Express take place?

The challenge that will take place during National Science Week (from 16th-20th August 2021).

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You’ll get access to a week long online-led workshop, a comprehensive guide of teacher resources, self-paced research, mentoring with industry experts and you’ll join other schools for an online pitch day facilitated by the Upstart team.

Who can take part?

Mapped to the Australian curriculum, the Upstart Express is suitable for students in Years 8-10 and VCAL across a range of curriculum areas. This isn’t just for science!

Where is the Challenge hosted?

As all resources and activities for the challenge will be hosted online, any school from any region – including rural communities – can join in!

What's in it for my school?

Has your school got what it takes to be at the forefront of science and innovation?

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Complete the Ideator phase during National Science Week, and there’s potential for your school to join the State Challenge and the chance for your students to represent their school at the National Showcase!

“Teachers, get on board the Upstart Express – a fun, fast paced national innovation journey. Ignite your students’ passion for STEM, design thinking and building a better world.”

Heather Kelly, Co-Founder & Director, Upstart

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