Elevate activities encompass hackathons, bootcamps, and Game Changers webinars, extending to the upcoming StartUp year program, among others. Through these initiatives, La Trobe students and alumni acquire and apply critical entrepreneurial skills, gain invaluable insights from industry experts, and receive the necessary support to develop their own startups. These diverse and immersive experiences ensure that participants are well-equipped to navigate the complex landscape of modern entrepreneurship.
“My highlights were understanding stakeholder and partner needs, and learning how to communicate and find ways to make a solution that is mutually beneficial,” says Natasha Nagle, PhD in Geoarchaeology, reflecting on her experience at the Elevate Bootcamp and PitchFest activities.
By offering a platform to showcase creativity and enhance problem-solving skills, Elevate nurtures not only professional growth but also personal development.
“I want to own my own dental practice one day. The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp experience has given me more of an understanding on how to get started. I have noticed a difference in myself and am enjoying the personal development,” says Mustafa Al Khafajy, B. Dental Science (Honours).
Recently, the Medibank Consulting Hackathon enabled next-generation entrepreneurs to gain invaluable hands-on experience in tackling real-world challenges.
Co-presented with Medibank, one of Australia’s leading health insurers, the Medibank Consulting Hackathon saw students grapple with complex health, wellbeing, and employability issues, and tasked with designing and prototyping solutions.
Participants developed key enterprise and consulting skills while working in interdisciplinary teams to address industry challenges. One of the most valuable components of the two-day event was a pitching competition, that saw teams present solutions to a panel of judges comprised of Medibank and La Trobe leaders, and take home cash prizes.
While the hackathon is just one in a suite of activities offered as part of the Elevate program, it highlights the importance La Trobe University places on experiential learning that prepares participants for the workforce. Attendees are empowered to go beyond the theoretical realm of their studies, and gain invaluable real-world experiences.
By embracing Elevate - with its focus on collaboration, innovation and community impact - students and alumni are not only building skills that will set them up for future success, they are also creating ideas and solutions that have the potential to make a real impact.
For more information about entrepreneurship activities and opportunities, submit an Expression of Interest or connect with the La Trobe University Innovation and Entrepreneurship team at accelerator@latrobe.edu.au
For general enquiries or more information, please contact industry.engagement@latrobe.edu.au
