Future Entrepreneur Challenge Celebrates 20 Years of Inspiring Young Innovators

The University of Newcastle’s Business School welcomed high-achieving Year 11 students from across New South Wales to NUspace last week for the 2025 Future Entrepreneur Challenge Presentation Day, marking the 20th anniversary of the long-running program.

The Challenge invites students to design innovative and sustainable business solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year’s finalists presented ideas addressing real-world challenges including sustainable and safer aviation, composting and waste reduction, cat café concepts, digital gift-finding tools, and personalised academic support services.

Five finalist schools were selected to present at the University:

• The Ponds High School
• Hornsby Girls High School
• Tara Anglican School for Girls
• Willoughby Girls High School
• St George Girls High School

After a morning of high-quality presentations and Q&A sessions with the judging panel, St George Girls High School was announced as the 2025 Challenge winner.

Judging on the day was conducted by Dr Stephanie Zhou and Richard Berry, with Dr Caitlin Mollica serving as MC.

As the program enters its third decade, Newcastle Business School continues its commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the next generation of business leaders.

For more information about Newcastle Business School programs, visit: https://www.newcastle.edu.au/school/newcastle-business-school/year-11-business-plan-challenge-2026

Contact

• Patrick Lydon
• Phone: (02) 4055 3023
• Email: patrick.lydon@newcastle.edu.au

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