First intake open!

Registrations close 15th June

Register now

We are on the hunt for big ideas!

The Big Ideas Challenge is a pitch contest allowing you to dip your toes into the world of startups and hone your business idea. Participants will learn the startup business basics using global best practice tools from ideation through to pitching.

If you've got an idea for a startup business, a social enterprise, a community project, or an innovative new use for Smart Cities/IoT devices then a huge opportunity awaits. The Big Ideas Challenge seeks to unearth the ideas you've been dreaming about.

You can enter in four categories

  • Commercial

    Products or services with the potential to become successful commercial businesses. Does your idea solve a genuine problem for people, serve a large potential market and do something new or different? Even better.

  • Social Impact

    Ideas that will have a positive impact on our communities and the world beyond. This could be an environmental, social or non-profit idea that helps those who need it most.

  • Smart Cities / IoT

    Ideas that involve Tasmania's LoRaWAN network and use the Internet of Things to creative innovative new projects, products and services for businesses and residents.

  • Students / recent graduates

    Part way through or recently completed your study? This category is for you! Help us develop an entrepreneurial and innovative spirit among students in Tasmania.

Why should I participate?

There are a number of benefits to entering.

– meet and develop connections with like-minded creatives and entrepreneurs

– improve your employability through learning new skills in ideation, opportunity shaping and public speaking

– receive valuable feedback and advice on your ideas and how to progress them

– explore the possibility of creating your own job and ‘being your own boss’

– learn about the support available to entrepreneurs in Tasmania

– create publicity for your idea or venture


How it works

  • Stage 1: Online entry

    Register online using the button below, before 6pm Monday 15th June.

  • Stage 2: Bootcamp

    Complete the online course work in your own time, before 6pm Friday 26th June.

  • Stage 3: Record your pitch

    Get creative! Record a pitch video to convince a global audience that your idea is a winner. Submit online before 6pm Friday 26th June.

  • Stage 4: Online voting

    You will have two weeks to rally support for your idea and gather online votes for the prestigious People’s Choice Award in your category.

  • Stage 5: Demo day

    Judges will pick the top three teams in each category to pitch live on digital Demo Day, with crowning glory to the best pitch on the day in each category.

Registrations close June 15, 6pm

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Register now

Need help coming up with an idea?

Inspiration for ideas is hiding all around you. Here are a few suggestions:

– Think about problems you face in your day to day life, and then brainstorm solutions.

– Ask your friends and family what frustrates them. A potential business might be hiding in a solution to their problem.

– Look at trends in society, technology and culture. Are there opportunities for new ideas and businesses around these trends?

– Think about your area of study. Are there things you have learned that open up opportunities and spark new ideas?

– What would make your life more fun, more exciting, more worth living if it existed?

– Are there ideas out there already that you could improve and do better/faster/cheaper?

Further info

  • Who is this challenge for?

    This challenge is open to anyone willing to share their idea! Anyone can be an entrepreneur, you don’t need a certificate or degree to have a business idea. Remember, for startups, the idea is not the currency, it’s the execution – shout your idea from the rooftops, you never know who you’ll meet along the way and how they’ll be able to help. You can enter as an individual or in a team of up to four people.

  • What is a pitching contest?

    A pitch is just another word for a presentation. Participants will need to pitch their idea to the judges (and the voting public!) and explain why it’s a winning and viable concept. Don’t worry, we’ll teach you all you need to know about pitching during the online bootcamp.

  • Do I need to do a pitch to enter?

    Nope. There are no requirements to enter, just register online!

  • Who owns my idea if enter?

    Your idea will remain your idea. We just want to help make it a reality.

  • Can I enter an idea for a business I’ve already started?

    If by ‘started’ you mean ‘started planning’, then that’s okay - ideas must be for a business/ venture/project which has not yet commenced trading. However, if by ‘started’ you mean ‘started trading’, then unfortunately you’re not able to enter that idea. Come up with something new!

  • Where can I find out more?

    Email [email protected]