Australian eChallenge
The eChallenge offers you unprecedented access to top South Australian business expertise and insights.
The Australian eChallenge is open to anyone, regardless of your industry or education. We help you turn an idea for a product or service into a profitable business proposition.
Both teams and individuals can register to be part of the eChallenge – all you need is enthusiasm and a willingness to learn! If you register as an individual, we will facilitate an introduction to potential team members.
"Tapping into the South Australian entrepreneurial ecosystem the Australian eChallenge connects the business community to students, academics and the general public. Connecting these like-minded individuals during the process of the program creates a great energy and it is through this stimulating education process that new entrepreneurs are born." - Professor Noel Lindsay - Pro Vice-Chancellor (Entrepreneurship)
From idea to market
We help you to develop your business model around key factors including, but not limited to:
- the viability, feasibility and desirability of your product or service
- analysing the problem your idea will solve
- ascertaining if there is a market for your solution and who these people are (your target market)
- what IP issues you need to be aware of
- how to ensure your product or service will become a profitable business for you.
The program
Over the course of the program, you will learn how take your idea from concept to prototype with the support of our team of academic staff, mentors and other industry leaders.
The Australian eChallenge kicks off in July and finishes in November. Applications for the Australian eChallenge opens in May.
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Specialised workshops
We will host specialised, practical workshops delivered by academics and business professionals.
These workshops are designed to help you accelerate and test your idea in a group environment. Throughout the process you will also have access to the eChallenge online platform containing readings, videos, and PowerPoint presentations.
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Meet your mentor
You will be partnered with a mentor from the business community who will provide invaluable support and advice in constructing a model that will help you to start and develop a sustainable, growth-oriented entrepreneurial business.
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Venture showcase
The Venture Showcase is your opportunity to validate your idea and receive real-time market feedback from the business community, and the general public. This market research will help inform the future direction of your pitch.
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Semi-finals pitch
At the semifinals you will deliver your first pitch to a panel of highly regarded judges. During this pitch, the commercial viability of your business idea will be judged based on the quality of the opportunity, the market, competitive advantage and your team’s strengths and weaknesses.
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Final judging
If you have been selected as one of the outstanding teams to progress past the semifinals, you will pitch again to a new panel of judges who will decide on the prize winners.
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Awards Ceremony
The winners of the Australian eChallenge will be announced at the Awards Ceremony. The event is a celebration for all finalists, and an excellent opportunity to network with entrepreneurs, potential investors, alongside University and government leaders.
What's next?
Current University of Adelaide students who participate in the eChallenge can also enrol into an eChallenge course to get credit for participation in the program. Members of the general public, register below.
Be inspired by our past participants
eChallenge with us
Each year we welcome new sponsorship and partners to the eChallenge and you could even have naming rights over your very own eChallenge prize. Our mentors help inspire and direct our eChallenge participants and we are always on the lookout for new mentors.
If you would like to join the Australian eChallenge as a sponsor, partner or mentor, we look forward to having a conversation with you.