Rural Innovation Sprint
Are you ready to make a real impact in regional communities?
The annual Rural Innovation Sprint is a dynamic five-day event where La Trobe students collaborate with local businesses and community leaders from the Albury City Council region, as well as peers, to create innovative solutions to a specific challenge statement.
Challenge Statement: How might we foster business innovation in a way that improves the resilience of our community?
Throughout the program, you will engage in a structured innovation process including empathy design (human-centered approach to product development and innovation), ideation, prototyping, and testing.
Program details
- Date: Monday 18 November to Friday 22 November 2024 (inclusive)
- Location: La Trobe University Albury-Wodonga Campus
Only 20 places available!
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative experience that combines innovation, impact, and real-world learning.
The Rural Innovation Sprint has been running since 2022, with more than seven cohorts successfully cultivating ideas through the program. It is hosted by La Trobe University, in partnership with Albury City Council.
Why Apply?
We’re looking for highly motivated and ambitious students eager to make a difference and contribute to regional development.
- Hands-On Experience: Travel to Albury Wodonga and work directly with regional businesses to understand their unique challenges and opportunities
- Professional Growth: Develop critical skills in innovation, problem-solving, and collaboration – valuable assets for your future career
- Real-World Impact: Work on projects that have the potential to create lasting change in regional communities. You’ll develop and present tangible solutions that can make a difference in the local community!
- Network and Learn: Connect with business leaders, community members, and like-minded peers who share your passion for innovation and impact. You will gain insights from industry experts, participate in expert interviews, and receive feedback from community stakeholders
- Collaboration: Collaborate with students from different disciplines and campuses, bridging urban and rural perspectives to create well-rounded solutions.
Eligibility
To be eligible, you must be a La Trobe University student from any campus, discipline or level of study.
Whether you’re studying business, health, design, engineering, or any other discipline, your unique perspective and skills can help shape the future of regional Australia.
Application process
Applicants are required to submit a brief introductory video that should not exceed three minutes in length.
In your video, showcase the qualities that make you a top candidate for the Rural Innovation Sprint experience!
La Trobe is looking for motivated students who are passionate about learning and eager to enhance their professional and personal skills. Ideal candidates thrive in collaborative environments and embrace problem-solving challenges.
Successful candidates will be assigned to one of three dynamic teams.
FAQs
Applicants travelling a long distance to participate in the program may be eligible for subsidised travel and accommodation costs. Please provide details of your travel and accommodation plans in your application, and our team will review your request for assistance.
Yes, catering is provided during program hours only. Please note that meals outside of program hours are not included, so we encourage applicants to plan accordingly.
Monday to Thursday: 9am - 5pm
Friday (includes showcase event): 9am - 7pm.
More information
This event is co-hosted by the La Trobe Rural Health School and La Trobe University Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
For further details, connect with the La Trobe University Innovation and Entrepreneurship team at accelerator@latrobe.edu.
Alternatively, to learn about future entrepreneurship activities and opportunities, submit an 2024 Elevate Expression of Interest.