Innovation Sprint 2025 – Build with Purpose

Innovation Sprint 2025 is more than a hackathon, it's a four-week, hands-on innovation challenge where La Trobe students turn ideas into impactful, AI-powered solutions. You’ll tackle real-world problems inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and gain practical experience across tech, design, and strategy. Open to all students, no matter your background or experience.

What Is Innovation Sprint?

A university-wide, month-long challenge that brings together students from all disciplines to solve global issues using artificial intelligence. Across four themed weeks, you'll attend expert-led workshops, receive mentorship, and build a working prototype or MVP to present at the final showcase.

Theme: AI for a Better World

Create AI-powered solutions that support one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals — such as clean energy, climate action, good health, education, or sustainable cities.

You choose the problem, and you build the solution.

Two Streams to Choose From

To reflect different skill sets and interests, participants can choose one of the following two streams (teams can participate in both, although focusing on one is recommended):

🔹 Stream 1: Code Development

For those building a working AI-based prototype or MVP.

Judging Criteria:

• Technical implementation and innovation

• Relevance and alignment with chosen UN SDG(s)

• Functionality and user experience

• Effective use of AI tools

• Clarity of demo and documentation

🔹 Stream 2: Business Pitch

For those focusing on a well-researched, strategically sound business concept for an AI-powered solution.

Judging Criteria:

• Problem-solution fit and market understanding

• Innovation and scalability

• Feasibility and impact

• Clarity and persuasiveness of the pitch

• Alignment with UN SDG(s)  

Why Join?

• $2,000 grand prize split between the 2 streams

• Mentorship from industry professionals

• Real-world project experience for your portfolio

• Fully catered meals (with dietary needs supported)

• Winning teams will showcase their project at the final awards event

• All participants receive certificates

Timeline and Key Dates

Week 1: Kickoff & Ideation

📍 Monday, September 1 | 4:00pm – 7:00 pm

• Welcome session and event overview

• Team formation or solo participant matching

• Introduction to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

• Case study spotlight: Cropwise

• Brainstorming and concept development

Week 2: Workshop 1 – Generative AI Basics

📍 Monday, September 8 | 4:00pm – 7:00 pm

• Workshop led by Google Academy

• Introduction to generative AI and beginner-friendly tools

• Hands-on prototyping with mentor support

Week 3: Workshop 2 – Deploying AI Projects

📍 Monday, September 15 | 4:00pm – 7:00 pm

• Learn how to deploy and manage AI models

• Refine and finalise your project

• Prepare for submission and pitching

Week 4: Submission & Showcase

📤 Submission Deadline: Sunday, September 21 at 11:59 pm

🎤 Awards Night: Thursday, September 25 | 5:00pm – 8:00 pm

• In-person event with food, guest speakers, and networking

• Winners will showcase their projects live

• All participants will receive feedback from the judging panel

• Certificates awarded to all teams

• $2,000 prize presented to the winning teams ($1,000 for each stream)

Final Submission Requirements

Each team must submit:

• A PDF document outlining the project. A submission template will be provided to guide the required structure, including sections such as problem definition, solution overview, AI integration, and alignment with the UN SDGs.

• A video demonstration (max 10 minutes) showing the project in action — including its purpose, features, and how it works.

• Projects will be judged after the submission deadline. All judging will be completed before the Awards Night, where winners will be announced and invited to present their solutions.

All submissions must be completed by Sunday, September 21 at 11:59 PM.

Late submissions will not be accepted. Please ensure all materials are finalised and submitted on time.

What to Expect 

• Solo or team-based development

• Continuous support from mentors and AI experts

• Guidance on aligning ideas with global challenges

• Fully catered meals (vegan, halal, gluten-free, nut-free options)

• A safe, inclusive space to innovate

Who Can Join? 

All current La Trobe University students, from any discipline or year level. Whether you’re into coding, business, research, design, or creative problem-solving, Innovation Sprint 2025 is for you.

Food & Safety 

Meals will be provided by certified vendors with dietary labels clearly displayed. All food handlers are DoFoodSafely certified to ensure hygiene and safety across the entire event.

Register Now 

Spaces are limited, early registration ensures:

• Your spot is secured

• Your dietary needs are collected

• You receive early access to workshop materials

• Email gdsclatrobe@gmail.com for more information or any questions.