La Trobe University > Research > Research centres and institutes > Centre for Technology Infusion > Grand Challenge > About The Grand Challenge > Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Here you will find some of the commonly asked questions about the Technology Infusion Grand Challenge. If you have any additional questions please email grandchallenge@latrobe.edu.au

To participate, form a team of three to five participants and register your interest. Registrations open 10 November 2024 to 30 January 2025.

Below are some examples of smart city initiatives that may give you some inspiration:

  • A device that prevents riders from starting a two-wheeled mode of transportation if they are not wearing a helmet and/or are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, developed by the 2023 Grand Challenge winners.
  • The 2022 TIGC winning solution - FiremeX is a smart all-in-one system to detect early fires at a low cost embedded with smart home automation and CCTV camera footage replacing ordinary digital video recorders and network video recorders.
  • Sustainable antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of engineered biocatalytic nanocomposites targeting biofilm cells and matrix for water treatment membranes. This innovative solution was developed by the 2020-21 TIGC winners.
  • Remote physiotherapy provided by clinicians for patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease via a remotely operated Smart Glove. This innovative solution was developed by the very first Grand Challenge High School Edition winners in 2022.
  • A smart navigation glove for motorcyclists embedded with Bluetooth technology connected to mobile phone navigation apps help reduce road accidents caused by motorcyclists using mobile phones.  This innovative solution was developed by the 2019-20 Grand Challenge winners.

The final judgement criteria will be:

  1. Validity of the problem being solved (25%)
    • How well is the problem defined and supported?
    • Have the risks and opportunities of the concept been identified and assessed?
  2. Originality and impact of the solution (25%)
    • How unique is the solution?
    • Impact: Is it an incremental improvement or transformative solution?
  3. Engineering/IT excellence of the prototype (25%)
    • Degree of technical difficulty in building the solution
    • Its functional excellence for the end-user(s)
  4. Commercialisation potential of the solution (25%)
    • Commercialisation potential demonstrated by clarity of an exit strategy if this was a start-up initiative.

Keep in mind that at the end of the challenge, even though each criterion will be weighed equally, a high score in engineering excellence is a prerequisite. A working prototype is a requirement that cannot be compensated for by the other factors.

Part 1

Applications: applications for this round will open on 10 November 2024 and close 30 January 2025.

Phase 1 Pitch YouTube video submission: due April 2025

At the halfway point of the Technology Infusion Grand Challenge, the top teams who will receive investment will be announced. Teams who do not receive an investment at the halfway point will be given specific feedback and encouraged to push their concept and solution harder. They will be considered for final judging if they demonstrate significant progress. Confirmation of support of your participation is required from the Head of Department of your Institution before the transfer of the investment award to selected teams. Teams moving forward without an investment are also required to provide confirmation of support.

Part 2

Submission of final project: December 2025

Final event: To be confirmed (February/March 2026)

No participation in the challenge is free.