Young aspiring entrepreneurs from across the New England North West and North Coast will have the chance to test their best business ideas in the 2016 UNE Business School Innovation Challenge.

The Innovation Challenge offers high school students the opportunity to showcase their imaginative and innovative new ideas, with the 20 finalists being awarded the chance to work with experienced thought leaders, developing and presenting at ThePitch! Competition and Showcase.

Event organiser, Helen Taylor from UNE Business School, said the ThePitch! is an exciting and intensive process.

“What’s great about this event is the opportunity for students to get creative with an idea or project that really means something to them – we can’t wait to hear what our entrants come up with,” Ms Taylor said.

“We’re pleased to have this chance to show students from Coffs Harbour to Grafton to Moree the possibilities of entrepreneurship in our region.

“We know we’re going to see fresh ideas and collaborations generated right here during this event”.

All high schools in the region will be invited to the University of New England for the presentation event in November.

Entries open 1 September 2016 and students who are interested to participate can enter here: www.une.edu.au/innovationchallenge

There are cash prizes up for grabs, with the event winner taking home $1000, first runner up $500 and second runner up $250. There’s also a chance to win one of four iPad minis on the day.

Participating students can also expect an exclusive chance to tour UNE’s recently announced SMART Region incubator.

Contact: Helen Taylor on 6773 3417.