Paddl: Women in STEM National Innovation Games
Join the Western Sydney University National Innovation Games, hack-a-thon inspired 100% virtual challenge! Work with local businesses to develop tangible solutions to overcoming barriers for women in STEM.
Passionate about creating equal opportunity for women in STEM? Want to support women to develop skills for now and the future? Join us for the Western Sydney University National Innovation Games. No prior experience or skills required; all with a willingness to contribute are welcome!
Paddl Games are intensive, creative and fun Challenges that bring together emerging talent and industry to collaboratively problem-solve and deliver on solutions in a matter of hours, enabling ‘inclusive innovation’. You will be placed in a diverse team with inspiring students, graduates, PhDs and industry experts. Your allocated team will also include industry professionals, representatives from the government and an experienced Paddl Facilitator, who will guide and support you every step of the way!
Working in a diverse team designed to replicate the workforce, you’ll get to problem-solve, think outside the box and creatively develop practical solutions using all the knowledge that you can harness in the virtual room.
The call is open to diverse trainees, students, graduates and research PhDs from across Australia to participate in a unique opportunity made possible by the Australian Government, Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia. Western Sydney University and InnovationAus.
The event will take place online on the following days:
- 10 May (for one hour): Attend a one hour session, as part of the Paddl Impact Accelerator Week, which will form a key part of your research and preparation for the Games. Details on timing will be provided by Monday 11 May.
- 12 May (all day): Your team will ideate, brainstorm and design a solution that addresses the topic, using the expert advice of on-hand subject matter experts.
- 13 May (half-day): You’ll get to present your solution to a panel of judges and prizes will be awarded. Please note that only you will only be required to attend a 2-hour presentation window, as well as the presentations in the late afternoon.More information on the program can be read here.
Among the benefits you can obtain by participating in the games, you will find:
- Experience a unique learning opportunity and develop critical skills.
- Register for an individual 15-minute one-on-one mentoring session with an industry professional - your chance to get personalised career advice!
- Receive individual feedback on your performance to use for your development.
- Work in a diverse team that mirrors the workplace.
- Connect with like-minded individuals and employers, expanding your network.
- Get tech-savvy and get ready to thrive in the virtual world by upskilling and learning new digital collaboration skills.
- Drive innovation and overcome barriers to equal opportunity for Women in STEM.
- Have your voice heard and contribute to the discussion on this important issue.
- Add the experience to your Paddl Profile and claim a new Activity Badge
To participate, you’ll need to do some prep work including getting set up in Zoom, Slack and Miro, e-meeting your team, getting to know your team members, coming up with a team name and researching the current challenges facing women in STEM-related fields.
Register your interest by submitting an application. Team Paddl will then be in touch to meet with you to discuss your interest!