Here at
CQUniversity we pride ourselves on being innovative. Innovation is at the heart
of our research, engagement, teaching and business practices. Striving for
innovation is a driving force behind everything we do and a core value that can
rouse a strong institution like ours to move from strength to greatness. Like
so many things, innovation starts as an idea.
Ideas have
the potential to inspire, motivate and transform us. Almost everything we have,
everything we are, we owe to an idea (often simple) that started small and flourished
into something big. So when does an idea become innovation? What makes an idea big?
In 2014, a
team of CQUniversity students took an idea and transformed it into something
much bigger. Engineering students Mattison Rose, Jessica Kahl and Angus Hughes harnessed
the concept of a simple Pallet House and created a social enterprise called The
Shelter Project. The newly formed social enterprise will employ disadvantaged
Australians to assist in the construction process of disaster relief shelters, providing
training, self-esteem, confidence and skills to assist in transitioning to
further employment.
A big idea
was born. In fact, the idea was so big that the team won first place in The Big
Issue’s ‘The Big Idea’ competition, securing business development opportunities
and making us all very proud.
Now we’re
calling on the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. CQUniversity
students with an idea or an interest in joining the competition are invited to
register at thebigidea@cqu.edu.au. All students are encouraged to
register for this unique opportunity and develop their idea with the help of
mentors as part of the competition.
I’m so
pleased to be supporting this competition again in 2015 and I can’t wait to see
the ideas and projects that are generated by our students. Last year was the
first time a team from CQUni entered the competition and our students beat out
entries from some of the largest and most prestigious metropolitan universities
in the country. What’s more, the judges were astounded by how one simple idea
that started in a backyard in regional Queensland could literally change the
lives of many and bring hope to communities who have been devastated by
disasters. The Shelter Project is the embodiment of our giving back philosophy at
CQUniversity and is another reason why CQUniversity is emerging as a great Australian
university.
Do you have
the next big idea? Do you know someone who might make a great candidate? If so,
encourage them to sign up. For more information, visit https://my.cqu.edu.au/group/student-portal/the-big-idea.
For some
added inspiration have a look at this video about Jessica, Mattison and Angus’
journey last year.
No comments:
Post a Comment