The Innovation Academy

Working breakfast to prepare for our next student and industry session on the 11th May!

Today kicks off the first student workshop for the 2026 program!

With an exciting range of projects and challenges for the students to define, we are also thrilled to be launching our first digital platform for their challenge development and design thinking process!

With all 18 local industry challenges being chosen, we can’t wait to see the evolution of our student projects for 2026!

MONDAY 9 MARCH - The Innovation Academy Program - 2026 Student Launch - Speed-dating with local businesses, industry and community organisations.

Thank you to all our 19 local business and community partners for the contribution you are making to approximately 80 senior high school students over the course of 2026.

With RDA South West partnering with us this year we have presented 'The Tomorrow Project' inviting students to imagine the world they want to live in and explore how innovation, creativity, and problem solving can bring that vision to life.

By placing student voice at the centre, The Innovation Academy fosters hopeful, future focused ideas that respond to real challenges and emerging opportunities.

Together, we must address today’s challenges and take action that will shape a stronger, more sustainable future for them and our region.

Thank you to our participating schools:
Manea Senior College (Official Page)
Bunbury Senior High School
Australind Senior High School
Bunbury Catholic College
Dalyellup College
Eaton Community College

Send a message to learn more

Is your business or community organisation interested in being involved in the 2026 program?

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
https://forms.gle/csoQaB7JwNCRsoGG9

The Innovation Academy program bridges the gap between education and industry, empowering students to take on real-world challenges while providing our partner organisations with innovative solutions, bespoke programs and transformational learning experiences.

The Innovation Academy, is a face-to-face program open to Year 10 to 12 students from across the South-West Region. Our goal is to foster collaboration between education, business and industry, and our local community, tackling real-world challenges. Our vision is to empower senior students to realise their potential, develop confidence, and find their voice, both within their local communities and on a global stage. We aim to equip young people with the practical skills, mindsets, and personal attributes they need to succeed beyond school and contribute meaningfully to society.

This year we are partnering with RDA South West to bring The Tomorrow Project to our network of high school students, local businesses, industry and community partners.

PARTNERSHIP OPTIONS
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T0FSeTeDl4OruWg8ptif6nxfWP03WARD/view?usp=drive_link

INDUSTRY LAUNCH EVENT - The Tomorrow Project
The Innovation Academy Program - 2026 is launching and we are inviting business, industry and community organisations to help shape the region’s future workforce.

This year’s program, Tomorrow’s Project: A Preferred Future as Told by Today’s Students, brings Year 10–12 students together with local partners to explore emerging challenges, future skills, and bold ideas. By getting involved, organisations gain early insight into the aspirations of young people, connect with potential future employees, and help influence the capabilities our region will need for tomorrow.

Join us for our Business, Industry & Community Information Meeting to explore how you can collaborate with students and contribute to a shared vision for the South West.

📅 Tuesday 24 February 2026
⏰ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
📍 Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Your expertise today helps shape the innovators of tomorrow.

RSVP: [email protected]

Today we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science and the incredible potential of young women who are ready to shape the future of STEM.

This year’s theme, “From vision to impact: Redefining STEM by closing the gender gap,” aligns powerfully with the work of The Innovation Academy. Our 2026 program creates real opportunities for young women across the South West to step into innovation, explore emerging technologies, and collaborate with industry on challenges that matter.

By amplifying student voice and connecting girls with real‑world STEM pathways, we’re helping build a future where their ideas, leadership, and creativity drive meaningful impact.

Together, we’re not just imagining a more inclusive STEM landscape, we’re actively creating it.

The Innovation Academy met on Monday 12th May at Bunbury SHS Library to start prototyping their solutions to the Industry and Community Organisation Challenges. The library was abuzz with brilliant ideas and vibrant energy. We are incredibly grateful to our Industry and Community representatives and our Greater Bunbury Rotary mentors, for taking the time to engage with the students throughout the day, offering valuable guidance and helping foster a deeper culture of thinking within each group. A big thank you to Bunbury SHS for hosting the Innovation Academy and making us all feel very welcomed.

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The 17th of March was the first Innovation Academy meeting for the year.

We had 80+ students from and 17 Industries and Community Organisation attend on Monday at .

The follow are the challenges that the students are taking on for the year and the Industries and Community Organisation that are involved.

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We are very excited and thanks to for Sponsoring again this year the prize money.

Please get in contact with us if you would like to come on board.

Well, it’s a wrap for The Innovation Academy for 2024.

Our second year being bigger than our first year. 👏🏻

We have already been approached by other schools for 2025.

But there is no rest for the co-founders Lynette Hillier and Michele Watson. Who are busy getting ready for next year.

The academy is looking for businesses and community organisations that have a challenge that they would like the Innovation Academy to work on.

Please contact us with any enquires.

Send a message to learn more