19 July 2004
Download this release as a PDF
Note that you may need to download PDF reader software to view or print this.
View additional media releases
Public Affairs Coordinator
media@questacon.edu.au
02 6126 2216 or 0439 399 912
The Questacon Smart Moves Invention Convention is back for 2004.
What do you get when you introduce 30 teenage innovators from all over Australia to successful entrepreneurs and scientists? Answer: The Questacon Smart Moves Invention Convention 2004.
During the week-long conference from 27 September to 1 October, the secondary students will meet with mentors and professionals and be introduced to the various skills required to see their ideas become a reality. Topics will include analysing future opportunities, marketing, finance, legalities, presentation skills and intellectual property.
Questacon Smart Moves, funded by Backing Australia’s Ability, is a highly successful outreach program for rural and regional students in Years 9 to 12. The program (staffed by young, enthusiastic science communicators) travels the country, showcasing cutting–edge science and technology, and Australian innovation in science, technology and entrepreneurship with the aim of encouraging young people to get involved.
The 2003 Questacon Smart Moves Invention Convention brought together 15 students from all over Australia, ranging from year 8 to year 12. The students met with mentors and guest speakers from Swinburne University, IP Australia, Youth 2 Youth and Austrade, and learned about topics such as export, commercialisation, networking and intellectual property.
Some comments about the skills they gained during the conference were: "[I] learnt skills you can't find anywhere else", "I'll use it all", and "I'm now ready to start a business...".
Applications for the Questacon Smart Moves Invention Convention 2004 are now open, and can be downloaded at http://smartmoves.questacon.edu.au/smart_moves/IC04_online_app.pdf.
Applications close Sunday 22 August 2004.