_SOUTHSTART, Australia’s leading impact & innovation festival, in partnership with The University of Adelaide‘s ThincLab & Future Anything are proud to present: START(UP) ACADEMY.

We want all young people to know that they have the power to make a difference in their world—and we’ll do everything we can to help them realise that potential. START(UP) ACADEMY is a summit for future founders; to ignite minds, challenge perspectives, and expose young people to the world of entrepreneurship.

Designed in collaboration with educators, we will engage young people in a fun and fast-paced day of listening, learning, and doing. Students will hear from some of Australia’s most exciting and inspiring innovators and change-makers, as well as explicitly develop their entrepreneurial thinking and human-centred design skills through a range of challenges & masterclasses, set amongst the backdrop of Adelaide’s very own Garden of Unearthly Delights.

It’s time to awaken from our screens and discover the power that lies within our human capability.

WHO: High school students in Year 7-12 and tertiary students

DRAFT AGENDA (session times subject to change)

8.30am – 8.55am: ARRIVAL + REGISTRATION
9am – 10.25am: WELCOME: Keynote Speaker, Panel of Entrepreneurs + Ideation Activity
10.25am – 10.45am: INTERMISSION
10.45am – 12.45pm: BREAKOUT CHALLENGES : To ensure a thriving & sustainable future for our people & planet, we must play an active role in identifying & solving the challenges of today. But where do we begin? During this session, you'll have the opportunity to dive into one of four challenges presented by our event partners - diving into a mission to brainstorm creative solutions. No idea is too wild. It's time to think big! Read more about the four challenges here.
- ENVIRONMENT/ NATURAL DISASTERS – with SA Water
- REIMAGINE A NEW WORLD - with YouthInc / Shapers
- NET ZERO HOME OF THE FUTURE – with RAA
- A BURN OUT FREE FUTURE – with The University of Adelaide
12.45pm – 1.25pm: LUNCH BREAK (lunch not provided - bring your own or visit the food trucks!)
1.25pm – 2.55pm: MASTERCLASSES: After an inspiring & thought- provoking morning, you'll be invited to select from one of four masterclasses on offer, designed to help you bring your ideas into reality. From pitching your idea to building a prototype, finding your first customer - and more. You'll be exposed to a wealth of tactical knowledge, kick-starting your path into the future. Read more about the four masterclasses here.
- THE FUTURE IS YOURS – with Stone & Chalk
- 7 WAYS TO MAXIMISE YOUR IMPACT - with Forte
- PERFECT YOUR PITCH – with HEX
- BUILDING YOUR FUTURE SOLVER TOOLKIT - with PwC
2.55pm – 3.05pm: Return to main arena
3.05pm – 3.20pm: SHARING
3.20pm: EVENT ENDS

How can we attend?

StartUp Academy 2023 will be delivered as a live face-to-face event from the Garden of Unearthly Delights in Adelaide. Register now on this page to secure your tickets.

Who should attend?

StartUp Academy is designed for tertiary students and school groups of high school students in Years 7 – 12 (and their teachers). NB High school ages students must attend as part of a school group (ie they may not attend individually). The event will be facilitated by Future Anything’s Nicole Dyson and Hacker Exchange’s Jeanette Cheah.

Transport

Each participating school will be required to organise and manage the transport requirements for students and supervising staff/parents if physically attending the event.

Permissions and Supervision

Each participating school will be asked to manage parental permission requirements and ensure a suitable level of staff supervision for their students if physically attending the event.

While participating teachers/parents will not be required to formally facilitate the sessions, their engagement in the activities will increase teachers’ skills and confidence in unlocking students’ entrepreneurial mindset in the classroom.

All students physically attending will be required to complete a media permission form (provided after registration).

What Students Need to Bring:

– Refillable water bottle

– Lunch and any snacks for the day (NB catering is not provided).

– A pen/something to write with.

– A dash of enthusiasm, an open mind, and a willingness to engage with others.