Wednesday 24 September 2008

AIC Reaches Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow

Recognising the importance of quality science and technology education in driving future innovation, the AIC has invested in a local high school partnership to strengthen the entrepreneurial capability of our future generations.  

As part of the 2008 Ideas2Market small business program, the AIC is delivering a series of entrepreneurship classes to a group of 20 secondary students at the Queensland Academy of Science, Mathematics and Technology (QASMT) in Toowong.  

QASMT teacher David Gooch saw a need for this kind of program as a past Ideas2Market participant himself.  Mr. Gooch contacted the AIC and asked if they could develop a workshop tailored to suit the needs of his students.  

Delivered as a series of eight, two-hour modules, the Ideas2Market program has introduced the students to a number of new concepts, giving them the opportunity to workshop their own ideas and gain insight from a range of commercialisation professionals.  

"I knew we had a number of students in our school that had product ideas in their heads but had no idea what to do with them.  We developed our “Beyond an Idea” program as an adaptation of the Ideas2Market format for our year 10-12 students," Mr Gooch said.  

"The exposure of our students to commercialisation experts has been brilliant.  The opportunities for students to actively deal with the challenges and pathways to being an entrepreneur have been very well received."  

AIC CEO Dr Rowan Gilmore said it was important for teachers and students to maintain regular contact with industry to ensure Australia remained competitive at a national level.  

“If we are to continue to generate future leaders of industry, we need to ensure our students are given the best resources, industry support and opportunities in order to help them develop their innovative capacity,” Dr Gilmore said.  

A highlight of the program has been the presentation of case studies, where successful entrepreneurs have spoken to the school group about their personal experiences with taking an innovative idea to market. Glen Riverstone from "Snap-It" and Sarah Frith from "Farm Fresh Central" were both very young when they started their thriving businesses and were delighted to share their journeys with the QASMT students.  

The program concluded on the 17^th September with a pitch competition at Brisbane Technology Park , where the students presented their ideas to a panel of industry experts.   

The two students who tied for first place were unanimously chosen by the panel and they will be presented with a special award at their school’s awards night later in the year.

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