After months of hard work, knock-backs and eureka moments, over 80 teams participating in the ECIC’s eChallenge finally had their moment to shine. The Venture Showcase, held at the Adelaide Convention Centre in September, was their opportunity to pitch their innovative idea or product to the general public and really get a feel for their potential market.

The Australian eChallenge is a competition-based learning experience that develops strategic business thinking for early-stage entrepreneurial ventures. Teams compete for prizes in a range of different streams, including tertiary and secondary schools, regional communities, food and wine, medical, and commercial research. Each team must develop a business proposal for a completely new, previously unfunded concept, design or product. They then work with a mentor who helps them to develop a sustainable business model and guides them through the complex preparations for market. They also undertake a number of workshops designed to hone their practical skills, for example, in finance and marketing.

This year’s event attracted over 500 registrations, exposing our teams to a wide audience keen to discover something new and give valuable feedback. The teams were incredibly diverse and creative – from a recruitment and employment agency for space-related jobs, to interchangeable soles for multiple shoe use, to a detergent that washes your dishes for you. There were a number of apps and services serving social and environmental interests, as well as products designed to make our lives easier and more satisfying. Many of these teams will go on to develop successful and thriving businesses with genuine commercial prospects not just in South Australia, but nation- and world-wide.

There’s no doubt that the eChallenge is a springboard for innovation, entrepreneurship and exciting business development in South Australia. For more information about this and our international eChallenge programs, contact Zrinka Tokic on 8313 7131 or Zrinka.Tokic@adelaide.edu.au