Join the QUT challenge to develop a solution to a real-world problem inspired by the National Science Week school theme: Seeds of Science: Nurturing Knowledge for All.

The QUT Faculty of Science is hosting a friendly one‑day innovation challenge for high school students in Years 9 and 10. Working in teams alongside QUT students and mentors, students will use design thinking to develop creative and innovative solutions to real‑world problems inspired by QUT researchers. During this on‑campus experience, students will explore inspiring research challenges, take part in rapid ideation, collaborate within their teams to evaluate and refine ideas, and develop a pitch. Teams will present their solutions to a panel of judges, building skills in problem‑solving, teamwork and communication.

Why Compete?

• A team-based activity related to National Science Week
• Collaboration with current QUT students
• Meet and learn from QUT students and mentors
• Lightening talks from QUT academics
• Problem-solving, sharing ideas, effective networking
• Catering and great prizes are included.
• This event is free to attend

Key information

• 26 June 2026: Expressions of interest close
• Early term 3: Information packs sent to schools
• 14 August 2026: Innovation Challenge!
• Location: QUT Kelvin Grove campus, Victoria Park Road, Brisbane

Terms and conditions, and how to register:

Teams:

• to consist of three to five students in total, from the same school
• no more than 3 teams per school
• must be accompanied by school staff member on the day

Students

• must be in years 9 or 10 and enrolled in high school as a full-time student
• must have permission from their teacher, school, and guardian.

Challenge Questions

Challenges are currently being formulated by QUT researchers, and will be based on their real research problems in the fields of Science, Maths and IT. Students’ solutions will be judged on creativity, relevance, practicality, and execution of the solution.

How to register: Please use the link below to register your interest to attend by 26 June, and we’ll get back to you early in term 3.

Click here to register your interest

Please note that places are limited. To ensure equitable access to as many schools as possible, there is no guarantee that all teams can be accommodated.