With support from both Deloitte and Bendigo Bank, the second annual Appathon is open to students of all disciplines and study levels, including La Trobe alumni. Participants will be encouraged to diversify their thinking in solving real-world business challenges through the use and application of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Shelly Holy, Vice President of Learning Business Partners at ServiceNow, said the Appathon continued the growing tradition of providing industry-connected opportunities to equip students with relevant, real-world skills and connections.
“In our work with organisations across the world, AI is changing the game on how we live, work and think about productivity,” Shelly said.
“This event presents a powerful opportunity to seize on novel thinking and ideas as we seek to innovate, collaborate and connect in harnessing the power of AI.”
At the Appathon, students will be paired with an organisation to build new solutions on the ServiceNow platform, before diving into team-based problem solving and pitching their idea to a panel of industry-leading judges.
Each team is supported by mentors from ServiceNow and Deloitte. Winners will be selected based on innovation, feasibility and presentation, with the addition of a People’s Choice award, voted by participants.
Marg O’Rourke, La Trobe Bendigo Head of Campus, said this event would create meaningful experiences that prepare students for the future of work, particularly in regional communities.
“We’re proud to provide a platform for students and alumni to gain industry skills, build confidence and connect with potential employers,” Marg said.
“By hosting the Appathon in Bendigo, we’re not only making innovation accessible to regional students and alumni – we're also unlocking new pathways for digital talent to thrive locally.”
Megan Fisher, Pro Vice-Chancellor Industry Engagement at La Trobe, said the Appathon was an example of how La Trobe’s Innovation Entrepreneurship Program drives real world impact.
“Connecting our students and alumni with industry leaders like ServiceNow, Deloitte and Bendigo Bank to solve meaningful challenges through AI, is a testament to the power of collaboration,” Megan said.
“This initiative creates opportunities in areas where they’re needed most and La Trobe is proud to join the charge in building inclusive, future-focused pathways for digital talent.”
Recent research from ServiceNow focussing on the Australian AI skills found that six in 10 Australians fear losing their jobs to GenAI, the highest reported globally. Meanwhile, 71 per cent of business leaders haven’t mapped the skills they’ll need to operationalise an AI strategy with almost two‑thirds (63 per cent) lacking the resources and talent within their organisations to execute their AI plans.
“With over 670,000 Australian roles set to be automated by 2030, we need investment in skills at a time when governments the world over are relying on AI to deliver a tech‑driven productivity boost. Events like Appathon are seeking to close the talent gaps to ensure talent availability keeps up with the nation’s digital transformation needs,” Shelly said.
Media Contacts
La Trobe: Jess Whitty - j.whitty@latrob.edu.au, 0481 383 817
ServiceNow: Phil Smith - phil.smith@servicenow.com, 0402 873 100
