The Tech Innovate Challenge
The Tech Innovate Challenge is an extended hackathon focused on reducing social isolation among older Australians through innovative technology solutions.
The Problem
Social isolation among seniors is a critical issue influenced by various factors such as living alone, being divorced, separated, or widowed, chronic illness, mobility issues, and the loss of family or friends.
This isolation in seniors has significant health implications:
- Mental Health: Social isolation significantly increases the risk of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.
- Physical Health Conditions: Studies have shown a strong association between social isolation and cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, and a weakened immune system.
- Cognitive Decline: Isolated individuals face a higher risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease, with faster cognitive decline observed in those lacking social interactions.
- Heart Disease and Stroke: Social isolation is linked to higher rates of heart disease and stroke. The absence of social connections can lead to increased stress and inflammation, which contribute to these conditions.
- Immune Function: Isolation can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and diseases. This is particularly concerning for seniors, who often already have compromised immune systems.
The technology barrier for seniors can significantly contribute to social isolation by limiting their ability to connect with others and engage with the wider community. While technology has the potential to reduce isolation by facilitating communication and interaction, many seniors struggle with adopting these technologies due to a lack of familiarity, training, and support. This gap in digital literacy among older adults means they are less likely to benefit from the social connectivity that technology can provide.
25% of individuals aged 65+ live alone
1 in 5 Australian seniors agreed they often feel very lonely
Australians over 75 experience loneliness more than any other age group
You're invited
Innovators, students, developers, researchers, software experts, technologists and other stakeholders are invited to develop practical, real-world solutions which can be developed further as a research and development project or implemented into production for our senior population.
Over five months, this challenge will guide participants through developing practical solutions, with full immersion into the problem via a series of skills development workshops to support design and business development.
These workshops will help in translating ideas or research into prototypes or minimum viable products. Participants will receive mentorship, throughout the project, culminating in a final pitch submission.
Here’s your chance to take part in an extended Hackathon. Giving you time to make a difference!
Plus, your chance to win the biggest cash prizes available in Perth
2 x $10,000 for the two winning solutions plus equity free seed funding to support prototype developing for those teams that make it past the Hackathon pitch.
Seed Funding: Equity free seed funding will be allocated per team to support prototype development for those teams that make it past the Hackathon pitch
Starting in February 2025, you will take part in a life changing challenge and be guided by mentors and industry experts along the way, culminating in seeing your idea come to life.
The Brightwater Tech Innovate Challenge is supported by
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the Brightwater Tech Innovate Challenge and when is it?
The Brightwater Tech Innovate Challenge is a challenge to improve the mental and physical health issues which can be caused by social isolation.
The challenge will proceed over five months. Commencing in February 2025, teams will be guided along the way through a series of workshops. The challenge will conclude at a finale scheduled for June 2025.
More details about the launch event, workshops, challenge and finale will be released soon.
The challenge will be a collaborative and innovation focused program encouraging participants to build prototype solutions. The solution could be software-based programs, AI initiatives, new designs, or improvements to processes etc.
The Tech Innovate challenge will provide you with plenty of time to develop your solution and the opportunity to help a vulnerable part of our community.
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Is this challenge for teams or solo participants?
We will require all participants to be part of a team for the challenge. There will be an opportunity to join forces and create teams at the launch.
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How and when do I register my solution or team?
You will need to register your team prior to the launch date and then your solution in May.
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Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the challenge?
No, but if you are under the age of 18, you will need to be accompanied by a guardian at all times.
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What do I need to bring along?
Yourselves, an open mind and a laptop!
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Where is the challenge being held?
More details about the venues will be released in the lead up to the challenge.
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Will there be catering at the events?
Food platters and drinks will be provided at milestone events over the course of challenge.
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Who can I contact with any questions?
If you have any questions, you can contact Brightwater via LinkedIn or reach out to [email protected]
Team Rules for Challenge Participants
To ensure a fair, productive, and impactful experience for all participants, the following rules and guidelines will be enforced throughout the Brightwater Tech Innovate Challenge:
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Eligibility
Team Composition: Teams must consist of a minimum of 2 members. Participants can form teams within their own organisations or collaborate across different institutions and backgrounds.
Age and Affiliation: There is no minimum age as we would love school students to join this challenge. University students, young entrepreneurs, and professionals are all encouraged to participate.
Registration: All teams must register by the specified deadline and provide all required information.
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Participation
Attendance: Team members must attend all mandatory workshops, mentoring sessions, and events. Absences must be communicated in advance and justified.
Commitment: Teams are expected to commit the necessary time and effort to develop their solutions. This includes meeting project milestones and deadlines set by the organiser.
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Intellectual Property
Ownership: Intellectual property (IP) created during the challenge remains with the respective teams. However, teams must agree to share their solutions with the organiser for evaluation and promotional purposes.
Original Work: All work submitted must be the original work of the team. Plagiarism or the use of existing solutions without proper acknowledgement will result in disqualification.
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Conduct
Professionalism: Participants must conduct themselves professionally and respectfully at all times. This includes interactions with other teams, mentors, judges, and organisers.
Collaboration: While competition is encouraged, teams should also foster a spirit of collaboration and support within the challenge community.
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Solution Development
Scope: Solutions must address the specific theme and challenge outlined at the beginning of the Challenge. Out-of-scope solutions may not be considered for final evaluation.
Feasibility: Solutions must be realistic and implementable. Teams should consider technical feasibility, market viability, and potential impact in their proposals.
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Mentorship and Resources
Mentor Engagement: Teams must actively engage with assigned mentors and utilise available resources. Regular updates and feedback sessions are required.
Resource Utilisation: Teams should responsibly use the resources provided by the challenge organisers, including information, tools, and materials.
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Submission and Presentation
Documentation: Teams must submit all required documentation, including project reports, prototypes, and pitch decks, by the specified deadlines.
Presentation: Teams will present their solutions, in person, to a panel of judges during the pitch submission and final event. Presentations should be clear, concise, and demonstrate the solution’s value proposition. If your team is shortlisted your solution must be demonstrated in person at the finale.
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Judging Criteria
Innovation: The creativity of the solution.
Feasibility: Technical and practical viability of the solution.
Impact: Potential positive impact on the target audience or industry.
Presentation: Clarity and effectiveness of the presentation.
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Prizes and Awards
Winning Teams: Prizes will be awarded to the top-performing teams based on the judges’ evaluations. Details of the prizes will be announced at the beginning of the challenge.
Seed Funding: An amount of $1000 will be allocated per team at the halfway point of the challenge. This is to help with resources that will aid your submission
Follow-up Support: Winning teams may receive additional support for implementing their solutions, including funding, mentorship, and access to resources. The organiser may choose not to implement the winning solution/solutions but will help to promote the initiative.
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General Rules
Adherence to Rules: All teams must adhere to the rules and guidelines set forth by the Tech Innovate Challenge organiser. Failure to comply may result in disqualification.
Changes to Rules: The organiser reserves the right to modify the rules and guidelines at any time. Participants will be notified promptly of any changes.