SDG Challenge rejuvenates student life on campus

UNSW Founders’ Michael Crouch Innovation Centre buzzed alive on Wednesday 25 May, hosting a packed (COVID-safe) audience of over 60 students ready to hack creative sustainability solutions for Taronga Zoo, Sydney Opera House, and Randwick City Council. 

The SDG Challenge pushed UNSW students to use the UN Sustainable Development Goals to solve real problems - going from challenge to solution in one day.

Three problems worth solving

From dealing with zip ties and food waste to raising awareness about the existential challenges of our generation, the challenges were far from easy. However, UNSW students, sorted into superstar multi-disciplinary teams at the start of the day, set to work quickly, fuelled by plant-based catering from our very own UNSW startup, Botanic Hub.

Spurred by the famous ‘Crazy 8s’ idea generation exercise, teams talked through potential solutions with mentors from the Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo and Randwick City Council, as well as mentors with specific subject matter expertise.

After a quick pitching 101, teams raced to throw together their wildest ideas by the 5pm deadline, ready to pitch just after 6pm. 

Solving global problems which occur locally

“This is the first time UNSW has hosted a challenge based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” noted Vice Chancellor Attila Brungs in his opening address. “Your contributions, large and small, have never been more crucial than right now.

“These are global problems which occur locally. You might help the community just up the road, or on the other side of the world. You’ll also learn some innovative techniques, new ways of thinking, novel approaches to creating incredible ideas. You’ll also learn how to communicate these ideas with impact.

By working in multi-faculty groups, teams had the chance to draw from their own knowledge, and contribute to a diverse, high-impact solution. 

“As places of learning, we are in a unique position to draw upon incredible knowledge. The Michael Crouch Innovation Centre is UNSW’s epicentre of innovation and entrepreneurial solutions. It’s a place where positive change is actually made possible. Through UNSW’s culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, this culture allows us to be a force of positive change in our world.”

Big ideas to solve big problems

As night fell, twelve student teams graced the stage to pitch their solutions. For many, the SDG Challenge was the first major in-person event they had participated in since COVID began. Dusting off their public speaking cobwebs, teams delivered solutions to drive the circular economy, monitor food usage through AI, and use the Opera House steps to mark where oceans may rise due to climate change. 

“It was so great to see young passionate minds at work in the MCIC again,” said Gregory Davis, Senior Manager (Curiosity stage), and host of the SDG Challenge. “These team members did not know each other at the beginning day, yet by 6pm they were on stage, in tune and delivering ideas with impact that really impressed the judges.  It was a great display of innovation and a pleasure to be a part of.  Our industry collaborators were all extremely impressed.”

Congratulations to our Prize Winners

Sydney Opera House

1st place: Voices for the Future

2nd place: Global Goals Festival

Sydney Taronga Zoo

1st: P2C​

2nd: EcoBricks

Randwick City Council

1st: Tup Aware

2nd: Waste-o-Meter

People’s Choice Award: Voices for the Future

Special thanks to our Collaborators

Sydney Opera House - Emma Bombonato + Anna Yanatchkova

Randwick City Council - Anil Gupta

Taronga Zoo - Belinda Fairbrother + Danielle Fryday