Grand Challenge team takes pitch to the international stage
The Circular Economy Grand Challenge People's Choice winner Bingage pitched their innovation to international investors, after securing a spot in the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park's Techathon+.
The team is made up of undergraduate students Ryan Muir, Luca Surman and Edward (Ned) Collins. They created the concept during their time in the Acceleration for Student Entrepreneurs (INOV3004) course, led by I2N's Nick Stevens in partnership with the Newcastle Business School.
The team developed their idea - initially called ‘Waste to Wonder’ - during the University's Net Zero Grand Challenge in 2024 and won $10,000.
After advancing their innovation, they won the People's Choice category in the 2025 Circular Economy Grand Challenge, pitching as ‘Bingage’.
Bingage makes recycling on campus fun and rewarding using gamified smart bins. Users scan a QR code through the Bingage app, deposit eligible waste into a Bingage smart bin, and earn points that can be redeemed for rewards. The waste is then repurposed into recycled products – like outdoor furniture – to create a visible, circular outcome from everyday actions.
During their time in Hong Kong last week, the Bingage team pitched for a chance to receive up to $15,000 HKD in cash to advance their startup and networked with innovators and industry experts. The three students each received $8,000 HKD for flights and accommodation.
“It's been an incredible opportunity to further develop our idea within one of Asia’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems.”- Bingage co-founder Ryan Muir
“Being recognised internationally reinforces both the relevance of the problem we’re addressing and the potential impact of our approach.”
Even though they didn't take home a cash prize, Bingage stood out as one of three teams selected for media interviews. The team's media coverage included an interview with Hong Kong public broadcaster RTHK emphasising the project’s impact and global potential. Read the full story here.
Asia's largest university-based startup competition has been running for a decade and evolved into an international competition in 2024 with hundreds of teams competing for the top spots.
The team has also been admitted to the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park’s Ideation program, where they will receive a further $20,000 HKD and incubation mentorship to progress their startup.
This year's opportunity follows Ryan and Ned’s engagement in BUSN3500, an I2N-led course in collaboration with the Newcastle Business School.
32 students in the course each received $5,000 in New Colombo Plan funding to travel to Hong Kong in June 2025, where they worked for startups at Hong Kong Science and Technology Park.
Contact
- I2N
- Email: i2n@newcastle.edu.au
Related news
- Grand Challenge team takes pitch to the international stage
- University of Newcastle’s I2N takes out top honours
- Grand Challenge winners share in $30,000 to bring circular economy ideas to life
- From early ideas to enterprise insights
- Students, alumni among region's top innovators in 2025 I2N Accelerator cohort
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.