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 15 October to 30 January 2024.

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

  • 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 the use of mobile phones by motorcyclists. This innovative solution was developed by the 2019-20 Grand Challenge winners.
  • A Korean city implemented smart water meters, which today double functions as a social health alert: family of people who haven’t used water in two days are sent an alert.
  • Melbourne can get hot in summer and its tree health sensors measure the water needs and co2 conversion of the trees, the city council maintain the foliage that protects the city.

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 criteria will be weighed equally, a high score in engineering excellence is a prerequisite: and a working prototype is a requirement that cannot be compensated by the other factors.

Part 1

Applications: applications for this round will open on 15 October 2023.

End of first semester video submissions: due March/April 2024

At the halfway point of the Technology Infusion Grand Challenge, the top teams who will receive investment will be announced. Teams who do not win 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 the final judging if they demonstrate significant progress. A letter of support acknowledging your participation signed by the Head of Department of your Institution is required before the transfer of the investment award to selected teams. Teams moving forward without an investment are also required to provide a letter of support.

Part 2

Submission of final project: December 2024

Final event: To be confirmed (February/March 2025)

No, participation in the challenge is free.