Queensland’s reputation as an innovation powerhouse was confirmed last night when three of the six categories in the National Next Gen Awards were won by entrants from Queensland.
Australia’s brightest and best young innovators were celebrated at the inaugural Next Gen National Awards Ceremony held at Queensland’s startup hub, The Precinct in Fortitude Valley.
Hosted by BOP Industries and supported by the Department of Tourism, Sport and Innovation and the Office of the Chief Entrepreneur, the awards recognise the outstanding entrepreneurial skills of primary and high school students (and their educators) across Australia.
Congratulations to the national winners:
- Young Entrepreneur of the Year – Annie Rogers (Gold Coast)
- Young Innovator of the Year – Omar Abdelaty, Corey Biggers, Tyler Bryers and Lachlan Tompkins (Project Bray Green, Moreton Bay)
- Young Leader of the Year – Deenah Quadri (Gladstone, Queensland)
- Innovative Educator of the Year – Michelle Fitzpatrick (Western Australia)
- Generation Z of the Year – Kshithij Chandrashekar (Western Australia)
- Generation Alpha of the Year – Evelyn Edwards (Tasmania)
Applicants were chosen according to their outstanding innovations, 21st-century skills, leadership, and education in their local communities.
Scott Millar from BOP Industries said the night was an overwhelming success, with people travelling great distances to celebrate entrepreneurship, innovation and community leadership.
“We had such a fabulous evening and loved seeing so many amazing people joining us. We found out there was a family that had driven down from Maryborough to attend the evening, and some teachers that had driven up from Lismore. Now that's dedication!” he said.
