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Have an idea that can change the world?
Come up with a genius idea for an app — then design it and bring it to life!
SKETCH & DESIGN YOUR IDEA
Follow Interactive 60-min virtual sessions with live demos, industry speakers, and Q&As—designed to spark curiosity and build future-ready skills.
STEP 4
Have an idea that can change the world?
SUBMIT YOUR APP IMPACT!
Follow Interactive 60-min virtual sessions with live demos, industry speakers, and Q&As—designed to spark curiosity and build future-ready skills.
STEP 6
YOUR WORKING PROTOTYPE
Follow Interactive 60-min virtual sessions with live demos, industry speakers, and Q&As—designed to spark curiosity and build future-ready skills.
STEP 5
CHOOSE YOUR IMPACT AREA (SDG)
Follow Interactive 60-min virtual sessions with live demos, industry speakers, and Q&As—designed to spark curiosity and build future-ready skills.
STEP 1
DEFINE & MAP YOUR USER PURPOSE
Follow Interactive 60-min virtual sessions with live demos, industry speakers, and Q&As—designed to spark curiosity and build future-ready skills.
STEP 3
FIND THE PROBLEM YOU WANT TO SOLVE
Follow Interactive 60-min virtual sessions with live demos, industry speakers, and Q&As—designed to spark curiosity and build future-ready skills.
STEP 2
The Highway to STEM Challenge empowers young innovators to develop app ideas that make a difference. Whether you're solving a community problem or building the next big thing, this is your launchpad.
ABOUT THE CHALLENGE
💡
Innovate
Turn your ideas into real solutions. Learn how to design apps that tackle real-world problems using creativity, tech, and critical thinking.
🤲🏼
Collaborate
Work alongside mentors, industry experts, and like-minded students as you build, test, and improve your ideas together.
🌟
Compete
Pitch your app to a panel of judges and go head-to-head with other bold young innovators from across the region.
Bring your app to life. Winning teams receive support, resources, and guidance to take their ideas beyond the classroom.
🚀
Launch
Prizes & Opportunities
Have an idea that can change the world?
Beyond prizes, winners gain access to resources, mentorship, and opportunities that can transform their ideas into successful future careers.
WHAT YOU CAN WIN
Headphones
5 x RUNNER UP PRIZES
(Valued over $500 AUD)
Mini Bluetooth Speakers
5 x RUNNER UP PRIZES
(Valued over $400 AUD)
$20 JB HiFi Gift Vouchers
5 x RUNNER UP PRIZES
(Valued at $100 AUD)
How does it work?
Sign up and create your team profile. Solo entries are also welcome!
STEP 1 : REGISTER
BEFORE 1 APRIL 2026
STEP 2 : YOUR IMPACT
Choose your impact and the problem you want to solve in the world.
STEP 3 : THE BUILD SPRINT
From sketching and drawing to creating a working UX interface.
STEP 4 : SUBMIT
Submit your proposal with mockups and a pitch of your app!
BY 11.59PM, 5 APRIL 2026
STEP 5 : WINNERS ANNOUNCED
24 APRIL 2026
Receive prizes, and kickstart your entrepreneur in STEM journey.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
The challenge is open to all high school students with a passion for technology and innovation. Whether you're a coding pro or just have a great idea, we want to hear from you!
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE
Students MUST reside in the regional area
Currently enrolled in Year 9 - 12
Participants must identify as girls/non-binary
Individual or co-founder entries (max 2 members)
Original app concept not previously commercialised
Parental/guardian consent for participants under 18
Register Your Spot
Register Your Spotchange the world?
START YOUR CHALLENGE
iPad Air
3 x GRAND PRIZES
(Valued over $2400 AUD)
YOUR APP
YOUR IMPACT
HIGHWAY TO STEM CHALLENGE FOR YEAR 9 - 12
We’re empowering girls and non-binary students living in regional Australia to thrive in STEM fields, fuelling their ambitions and paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future.
In prizes to be won
$5000+
100+
Students welcome
Unlimited
Ideas potential
YOUR APP
YOUR IMPACT