Young innovators from Australian and New Zealand universities are invited to register for the chance to demonstrate their talents and develop technology-centric solutions to a real-world business problem. This year, participants will be competing for a share of a $10,000 prize pool – the largest in the competition’s 10-year history.
Co-ordinated in partnership with the University of Auckland Case Club (UACC), the competition aims to support and grow the skills of emerging local tech talent. Since it launched in 2015, more than 2,000 students have taken part, and last year, submissions were received by students from 24 different universities across New Zealand and Australia.
Emma Fawcett, MYOB General Manager - SME and Digital Challenge judging panel member, says she is looking forward to seeing the creativity amongst this year’s entries as they seek to solve business challenges in fresh, new ways.
“We know that the technology industry moves fast, so I’ll be looking out for comprehensive, smart, well-thought-out solutions. Entries should address the business opportunity, but also acknowledge the potential obstacles, be future-proofed, and consider the risks involved.”
The Digital Challenge consists of two rounds. During the preliminary round, students have just over one week to develop and submit a 5–10-minute video submission, along with an executive summary of their solution to the problem posed in the case.
All entries will be judged by a panel of MYOB and UACC representatives, looking at the feasibility and implementation of the ideas. Six teams are then selected for the final round, where they will pitch and present their solution to the expert judging panel.
Another member of the final judging panel, MYOB Chief Operating Officer, Caroline Rawlinson, has been a judge in previous years and enjoys seeing the passion and enthusiasm coming from some of the brightest young minds as they participate in the Challenge.
“Each year the Digital Challenge sees emerging entrepreneurs and future leaders showcase their skills, and test their abilities in a practical, real-world environment and it’s terrific to see this competition reach the 10-year milestone. It’s so important to develop and nurture our up-and-coming talent, and I’m excited to be part of it again,” she says.
“This year I’ll be keeping my eye out for inventive ideas with a clear understanding of the market opportunities and commercialisation options. It’s crucial that any solution is grounded in reality, and it would be exciting to see some new tech start-ups come out of this year’s cohort.”
As an example of what is possible, last year’s winners - Team BHK - developed a customer review management platform that uses generative AI and sentiment analysis to assist business owners in replying to and understanding their customer reviews.
“Competing in the Digital Challenge was such a great experience. If anyone is interested in entrepreneurship and technology, the competition allows you to learn so much - including the feedback from the judging panel of industry leaders,” shares Ethan Happy, who competed alongside team members Haeun Kang and Emily-Kei Brewerton.
Registrations opened on Sunday 26th May to both under- and post-graduate students from universities across New Zealand and Australia. For more information and to register before the deadline of Wednesday 26th June at 11.00pm NZST/9.00pm AEST, please visit myobdigitalchallenge.com.
ENDS
For further comment or other information please contact:
Rosie Miller
MYOB•NZ PR Specialist
E: rosie.miller@myob.com