University of Western Australia
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SubscribeReal clients. Real challenges. Real impact.
The program is delivered entirely online over four weeks (approximately eight hours per week). You’ll work with real clients to solve problems and explore opportunities for their business. You’ll attend a weekly workshop with innovation experts and work in a team, led by a mentor, to ideate, validate and pitch solutions to current challenges.
Who should join?
All students, from first-year undergraduate to final-year PhD students; whether you're studying archaeology, business or biology. You’ll join like-minded students who are curious, optimistic and have a strong desire to learn about themselves and how to unleash their hidden potential.
What’s in it for you?
Building entrepreneurial skills through education and training is crucial for entering today's workforce. By participating in the program, you will:
- Develop the self-confidence, mindset, and skills associated with innovation and entrepreneurship
- Gain real-world experience
- Meet like-minded students and network with industry leaders
- Have the opportunity to win prizes and access work experience opportunities
- Receive official recognition as part of the UWA Career and Employability Award, a certificate of completion, and a UWA digital badge that integrates with your LinkedIn profile
About the program
This is a high-energy online program. There will be a mix of workshops and events (held via MS Teams) and an app with self-paced content. You'll schedule meetings with your team and mentor as required, along with submitting practical activities each week to help frame your planning and guide your progress. You'll need to dedicate about eight hours of your time to Innovation Academy each week for four weeks.
Our expectations of you
We expect participants to attend all workshops and make the most of this opportunity to learn and grow. While we have high expectations, this is not a high pressure environment. The focus is on the process of innovation as much as the final outcome. We encourage you to develop new skills and push yourself out of your comfort zone.
Meet the clients
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Perth Festival
In turbulent times we need the arts more than ever. Perth Festival is a not-for-profit multi-arts festival that has brought world class performance, music, film, visual arts and literary events to Perth every summer since 1953. The team aspire to celebrate place, affirm the primacy of Indigenous culture, engage diverse audiences, and create experiences that are inclusive, accessible, engaging, and immersive.
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Western Power
What might WA's clean energy future look like? Over the next decade, our electricity grid will change – it’s already happening. Instead of being one-size fits all through poles and wires, it’s becoming modular, innovative and flexible. Western Power is a WA State Government owned corporation responsible for building, maintaining and operating an electricity network that connects 2.3 million customers to traditional and renewable energy sources.
Meet the facilitator
Dr Jo Hawkins
Jo works to develop programs, prototypes, spaces, and partnerships to support innovation and entrepreneurship at UWA. She has 15+ years of experience in strategy, communications, innovation management, and commercialisation and was recognised as one of Western Australia’s 40 under 40 business leaders in 2021. Jo will be joined by a range of innovation experts during the program.
Frequently asked questions
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What projects will we be working on?
Our industry clients will reveal the projects during the first workshop! You'll be able to nominate your preference for the challenge you would like to work on and we'll do our best to match you to your preferred challenge.
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Do I need to attend all four workshops?
Yes, our expectation is that you will commit to attending all four workshops.
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Can international students take part?
Of course! We have deliberately scheduled the workshops to ensure as many international students as possible can attend.
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Can innovation be taught?
We believe every UWA student is a born innovator. Our programs are designed to help you identify your strengths and unleash your hidden potential.
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Why do companies need the help of students to innovate?
The business environment is becoming increasingly complex. Technologies are advancing rapidly and startups challenge the status quo. For corporations to remain competitive, they must adopt a culture that embraces new technology and actively seek out ways to enhance their business models. Students can offer new perspectives, fresh thinking, and question old ways of doing things.