The 2021 Alexandrina Innovation Challenge Program starts this month and Alexandrina Council has announced the first wave of innovators who have been selected to compete. 

The inaugural Innovation Challenge is set to accelerate the development of a leading entrepreneurial program for the creators, innovators and collaborators of the Alexandrina region. 

The following individuals and/or teams will be taking the Innovation Challenge this year: 

Ben Hewett and Will Miller 

Vicki Mau and Steph Wheaton 

Fiona Burrow

Kalani Bates

Harry Gaffney

Frances Rennell

Ben Kernahan

Ruth Mitchell

Chris Wilson 

Glenn Rappensberg, Alexandrina CEO, is excited to see the diversity and depth of entrants for this year’s challenge. 

“We have been blown away by the calibre and span of ideas led by passionate members of our community – we can’t wait to share in their progress and celebrate our first inaugural winner”. 

For the Alexandrina region to thrive, we need to embrace home grown creativity and seek innovative solutions that create opportunities, which positively impact our environment, local economies and community wellbeing. 

“The Innovation Challenge will also be chaperoned by a team of local mentors and an internal support crew. 

The successful applicants will undergo a three-month program to develop their idea and pitch to a panel of judges. 

The program is co-hosted with Startup Adelaide and will be looking to identify initiatives that are purpose-driven, innovative, scalable, sustainable, adaptable, future ready and environmentally aware. 

Mayor Keith Parkes says the partnership with Startup Adelaide is part of the state- wide innovation agenda and there is growing interest in the opportunities that exist within Alexandrina. 

“Alexandrina has a proud history of creating new opportunities for our community and this year’s Alexandrina Innovation Challenge is the chance to open our minds to new ideas that will enhance our way of life” he says. 

“We wish all the teams every success as each power towards the Program showcase and panel of judges to select the overall winner in late October 2021.”