SDG Challenge 2023: Students Innovate for a Sustainable Future

The Michael Crouch Innovation Centre was abuzz with energy on May 25th as the SDG Challenge 2023 kicked off. The one-day hackathon brought together passionate students, industry experts, and organisations to find innovative solutions for pressing sustainability challenges.

This year's event focused on two critical areas: the Taronga Zoo Challenge and the Poverty & Inequality Partnership Challenge.

Under the Taronga Zoo Challenge, participants explored ways to minimise the negative impacts of industrial fishing on marine ecosystems. Their goal was to develop effective measures to reduce wildlife mortality caused by fishing gear debris and address the issue of bycatch. The Poverty & Inequality Partnership Challenge aimed to engage community support for policies and programs that would help alleviate poverty in Australia.

Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams, benefiting from the guidance and support of experienced mentors. These mentors included experts from Taronga Zoo, the Poverty & Inequality Partnership, as well as professionals from various industries.

Working together, students leveraged their diverse skills, creativity, and knowledge of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to develop innovative solutions. The mentors played a crucial role in the process, providing valuable guidance and expertise. They helped teams refine their ideas, ensuring that the solutions proposed were impactful, feasible, and aligned with the goals of sustainability and social impact.

The competition was fierce, as each team strived to present the most impactful and feasible solutions by the evening. The spirit of collaboration and determination was evident as participants harnessed their collective intelligence and developed ideas that could drive positive change.

As the sun set, the culmination of the SDG Challenge 2023 arrived, with twelve teams taking the stage to present their solutions. Their presentations showcased a range of ideas, from technological innovations to community-driven initiatives. The audience and judges were captivated by the passion, creativity, and problem-solving capabilities demonstrated by the participating teams.

Finally, the prize winners were announced amidst anticipation and applause.

🥇Team "SSEA" won first place in the Taronga Zoo Challenge by developing a solution that reduces the amount of bycatch in net and trawl fishing activities through the use of monitoring and deterrent devices.

🥈The second-place prize was awarded to "Team Wallace" for their innovative solar-powered IoT solution to reduce wildlife mortality caused by fishing gear debris.

🥉"Team Blue" received the People's Choice Award for their biodegradable fishing gear. 

🥇In the Poverty & Inequality Partnership Challenge, the first-place recognition was earned by "PATH" for their immersive digital experience.

🥈The "Barrier Breakers" team secured second place for their strategy that aimed to promote community inclusions and break down barriers surrounding "otherness" in society.

🥉"Equal Stride" received the People's Choice Award for their storytelling-driven approach to engaging community support.

The SDG Challenge 2023 was a resounding success, showcasing the power of collaboration, innovation, and student-led initiatives. The event not only provided a platform for students to contribute to real-world sustainability challenges but also fostered a sense of purpose and empowerment among participants.

Feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive, reflecting their enjoyment and satisfaction with the event. The average rating for enjoyment was an impressive 8.37 out of 10, indicating a high level of engagement and excitement among the participants.

Moreover, the event received a strong recommendation score of 8.8 out of 10 when participants were asked if they would recommend it to others. This demonstrates the participants' belief in the value of the SDG Challenge and their enthusiasm to share this transformative experience with their peers.

The feedback emphasised several positive aspects of the event, with participants highlighting the mentorship and workshop sessions as valuable components. The guidance and expertise provided by the mentors were highly appreciated, as they played a crucial role in supporting and shaping the participants' projects. The collaborative atmosphere and environment were also commended for fostering creativity and effective teamwork.

👏Thank you to our AMAZING Mentors & Judges👏

PIP Mentors: Row 1 (right to left): Jacqueline Phillips​ from the Australian Council of Social Service​, Scientia Prof​ Carla Treloar from the UNSW Centre for Social Research, A/Prof​ Bruce Bradbury​ from the UNSW Social Policy Research Centre, Dr Yuvisthi Naidoo​ from the UNSW Social Policy Research Centre​, Paige Sedgwick​ UNSW Student Representative Council & New Wave Program Manager Victoria Tucker from UNSW Founders.

Taronga Mentors: Row 2 (right to left): Belinda Fairbrother​ from Taronga Zoo Conservation Society Australia​, Christie Gazal​ from Taronga Zoo Conservation Society Australia, A/Prof Jes Sammut​ from the UNSW Aquaculture Research Group​, Alan Riva Managing Terra Innovations, Cassandra Goldie the CEO at ACOSS & Oliver Masson Founder & Inventor at Blistil

One participant expressed their genuine enthusiasm for hackathons and requested the organizers to organize more events like the SDG Challenge, highlighting their deep appreciation for the experience. Another participant acknowledged the significance of UNSW's programs and expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in organizing the event.

In addition to the positive feedback and the success of the SDG Challenge 2023, it is important to acknowledge the significant support provided by UNSW's PVCESE (Pro Vice-Chancellor Education and Student Experience) and EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion).

The sponsorship from PVCESE and EDI reflects UNSW's commitment to fostering student engagement, innovation, and sustainability. By supporting initiatives like the SDG Challenge, UNSW demonstrates its dedication to providing meaningful learning experiences that empower students to tackle real-world challenges and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future. Their support not only contributed to the success of the SDG Challenge but also underscores UNSW's commitment to being a catalyst for positive change. Which is why it comes as no suprise that, UNSW climbed an impressive 19 places in the Times Higher Education Ranking, now ranking 18th globally and 5th in Australia in the 2023 edition.

This remarkable achievement reflects UNSW's ambition to be a catalyst for a sustainable, more equitable future through collaborative research, partnership, and innovation.

Congratulations to all the winners and participants for their outstanding achievements and their commitment to driving positive change in our world🍃🌎