Gain relevant industry experience through this immersive two-day program. Receive guidance to develop and pitch a solution in a small team to a real business challenge, receiving feedback from industry experts. Build in-demand skills, expand your network and compete for a cash prize.
What is the Business Innovation Challenge?
The Business Innovation Challenge provides a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on, degree-relevant industry experience alongside your degree. This program helps you develop transferable skills and build valuable connections, boosting your employability.
Offered three times this year - during Semester 1, the Winter term, and Semester 2 - you'll work in a small cross-disciplinary team to tackle a complex business challenge faced by a real-world organisation. With guidance from industry professionals, you'll ideate, refine, and present innovative solutions, while enhancing your understanding of the modern business landscape.
Eligibility requirements:
To participate in the Business Innovation Challenge, you must:
- Be enrolled in the Faculty of Business and Economics
- Have not completed the program previously
- Be available to attend the full two-day duration of the program in-person, on campus
Program overview
The Business Innovation Challenge takes place over two days on campus. You'll collaborate with your client, work alongside peers, and develop innovative solutions, culminating in a pitch to a judging panel for a chance to win a $2000 cash prize.
-
On day one, you’ll be immersed in structured activities including problem definition, foundational research, client consultations, brainstorming sessions, and idea development.
-
Moving into day two, you’ll further strengthen your solution, learn how to storyboard and design a compelling pitch deck, and polish your presentation skills in a safe and supportive setting. The culmination of the program sees your team delivering your solution to the judging panel, competing for a chance to win a $2000 cash prize.
Key dates: Semester 2, 2026
- Monday 17 August 2026
-
9:00am
Applications Open
- Sunday 30 August 2026
-
11:59pm
Applications Close
- Thursday 10 September 2026
-
By 5:00pm
Application Outcomes Sent
- Sunday 13 September 2026
-
11:59pm
Deadline to Confirm Participation
- Tuesday-Wednesday 29-30 September 2026
-
8:30am - 5:00pm
Semester 2 Delivery A
- Thursday-Friday 1-2 October 2026
-
8:30am - 5:00pm
Semester 2 Delivery B
How do I apply?
Applications for Semester 2 are now open!
Applying is quick and straightforward, taking around 5 minutes to complete. Simply answer a few short questions about your course, interests and motivation for participating. Once submitted, you'll receive the outcome of your application by 10 September.
Why should I participate?
Participating in the Business Innovation Challenge offers a range of benefits:
- Develop innovative solutions that will have a real-world impact
- Build transferable skills in teamwork, creative problem-solving, and communication
- Sharpen your presentation skills in a supportive environment
- Form meaningful connections with like-minded peers and industry professionals
- Gain degree-relevant experience to enhance your employability (e.g. highlight on your resume, LinkedIn, at interview).
- Compete for a $2000 cash prize
Earn Melbourne Plus recognition
Melbourne Plus is the University's flagship co-curricular recognition program. By completing Business Innovation Challenge, you'll be invited to complete a reflective piece to earn the 'Innovation' Melbourne Plus digital credential to share with your network (e.g. on your resume or LinkedIn profile).
Have a question?
Send us an email with your student ID if you have a question about the Business Innovation Challenge.