Joondalup Innovation Challenge will connect local businesses and students | Community News

A VIRTUAL innovation challenge next month aims to connect local businesses with their potential future workforce.

The Joondalup Innovation Challenge is a three-day program from the City of Joondalup and training company Frank to be held from July 1-3 and involving more than 150 local and international students.

It will also bring together WA business mentors, start-up incubators and TedX style keynote speakers.

Students will work in teams to develop workplace skills such as communication, innovation, leadership and business agility and will be tasked with finding technology-based solutions to real-world problems faced by Joondalup businesses and residents.

Challenges will include cybersecurity, tourism and how small and medium businesses in the Joondalup region can emerge stronger from the challenge of COVID-19.

The program will then conclude with a virtual pitch event.

The challenge is partnered by Study Perth, ECU, Curtin University, UWA and North Metropolitan TAFE. The Joondalup Business Association (JBA) and Spacecubed are also supporting the initiative.

JBA President Neil Gerrard said it was an opportunity for local businesses to “get feedback as students apply their thinking and creativity to real issues and problems impacting local businesses”.

Joondalup Mayor Albert Jacob added that as local businesses started to emerge from COVID-19, the time for innovative thinking and business adaptability was more critical than ever.

Businesses in the City of Joondalup that would like to get involved can email [email protected].