La Trobe University recently concluded its largest student-led innovation challenge, Innovation Sprint 2025 – Build with Purpose. Driven by La Trobe’s Google Development Group, supported by Google through funding and resources, the four-week program was run within Innovation Central Melbourne (ICM) at La Trobe’s Digital Innovation Hub. It brought together over 100 students from a wide range of disciplines to design and develop AI-powered solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
The initiative showcased the University's culture of innovation and provided a platform for students to address global challenges through technology. The format was designed to foster practical skills, collaboration, and industry engagement. Participants applied their knowledge to real-world problems, gaining valuable experience that extends beyond traditional classroom learning.
By focusing on the UN SDGs, the Innovation Sprint encouraged students to think critically about how technology can create a positive and lasting impact on society. To cater to a diverse range of student skills and interests, participants were divided into two distinct streams. This structure allowed them to contribute in a way that best suited their expertise while encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Code Development Stream
Code Development was tailored for participants focused on building a working AI-based prototype or minimum viable product (MVP). This stream emphasised technical implementation and innovation, ensuring projects were relevant and aligned with the chosen UN SDGs. Participants worked on enhancing functionality and user experience, effectively utilising AI tools, and delivering clear demos and documentation to showcase their solutions.
Business Pitch Stream
The Business Pitch stream was designed for participants aiming to develop a well-researched and strategically sound business concept for an AI-powered solution. This stream emphasised the importance of problem-solution fit and a deep understanding of the market. Participants focused on crafting innovative and scalable ideas, ensuring their concepts were both feasible and impactful. The clarity and persuasiveness of their pitches were key, as was the alignment of their solutions with UN SDGs. This approach encouraged students to think critically about the broader implications and potential of their ideas in addressing global challenges.
Mentorship and resources from industry leaders
A key element of this Google-backed Innovation Sprint 2025 was the extensive support system available to all students. Students received guidance and mentorship from industry professionals and Google Developer Experts while working within ICM. These mentors provided invaluable insights, technical assistance, and career advice, helping students refine their projects and navigate the innovation process.
In addition to mentorship, participants were granted access to Google Cloud resources, empowering them to build and test their solutions using state-of-the-art technology. The program also included a series of workshops focused on AI technologies and innovation best practices. These training sessions equipped students with the knowledge and tools necessary to develop sophisticated and effective solutions.
The strong engagement from students across the University highlighted a growing enthusiasm for practical, impact-driven projects. The program successfully fostered a collaborative environment where students could learn from experts, experiment with cutting-edge tools, and connect with industry and peers from different academic backgrounds.
Celebrating Achievement
The Innovation Sprint 2025 culminated in an Awards Night on 25 September to celebrate the hard work and ingenuity of the program participants.
The best performing teams shared in a $2,000 prize pool, and all participating students received certificates of recognition for their efforts. The judging panel featured representatives from La Trobe’s School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences (SCEMS) and Business School, including Dr Scott Mann, Dr Tony de Souza-Daw, Dr Shalinka Jayatilleke, and Dr Richard Skarbez.
Business Stream Award Winners
Team BlueTracker – Tam Nhu Ly, Thi Thu Thao Le, Anh Quan Chau, Mrigank Lamba.
- Developed a digital platform to help aquaculture farms monitor water quality in real time
- Tackles nutrient pollution, fish losses, and reliance on manual testing
- Supports sustainability and transparency through reporting for farmers and regulators
- Pilot projects are planned for salmon and prawn farms, with strong commercial rollout potential.
Coding Stream Award Winners
Team Longevita – Farisa Aliya, Pranay Reddy.
- Created an AI-powered wellness platform that transforms food choices into preventive healthcare
- Features a ‘symptom-to-food’ engine providing personalised diet, herb, and supplement recommendationsIncludes wellness tracking, professional access, and a supportive community
- Promotes healthier eating habits and aligns with UN SDGs on good health, responsible consumption, and sustainable food systems.
Judges’ Commendation Award
Team Flush-It-Forward –Tanvir Ahmed Aadeef.
- Designed SewerSense AI, which predicts sewer overflows and flood risks using wastewater data, low-cost sensors, and AI forecasting
- Provides early warnings to reduce infrastructure failures, protect public health, and lower costs
- Supports UN SDGs on clean water, sustainable cities, health, and climate action
- Offers a scalable SaaS model for integration with existing city systems.
At the Awards Night, the importance of innovation, industry collaboration, and developing employability skills for the future was underscored in the addresses from the University's Prof Chris Pakes, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President (Research & Innovation), and Prof Wenny Rahayu, Dean, SCEMS, and Andrew Spaulding, Head of Customer Engineering, Google Cloud.
The event not only recognised student achievements but also reinforced the strong connection between La Trobe University and its industry partners in preparing students for successful careers.
To explore upcoming industry events, initiatives, and opportunities at the Digital Innovation Hub and across La Trobe University, visit La Trobe Industry.
