How the Rural Innovation Sprint can enhance your professional and personal skills

Are you ready to make a real impact in regional communities?

The annual Rural Innovation Sprint is a dynamic five-day event where La Trobe students collaborate with local businesses and community leaders from the Albury City Council region, as well as peers, to create innovative solutions to a specific challenge statement.

This year’s challenge statement is: How might we foster business innovation in a way that improves the resilience of our community?

Throughout the program, you will engage in a structured innovation process including empathy design (human-centered approach to product development and innovation), ideation, prototyping and testing.

While the event is hosted at Albury-Wodonga Campus, students from other campuses are also welcome to apply. See the information on the Innovation Sprint webpage about possible travel and accommodation subsidies.

The Rural Innovation Sprint has been running since 2022, with more than seven cohorts successfully cultivating ideas through the program. It is hosted by La Trobe University, in partnership with Albury City Council.

There are only 20 places available, so get in quick! Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative experience that combines innovation, impact, and real-world learning.

Why apply?

  • Hands-On Experience: Travel to Albury Wodonga and work directly with regional businesses to understand their unique challenges and opportunities
  • Professional Growth: Develop critical skills in innovation, problem-solving, and collaboration – valuable assets for your future career
  • Real-World Impact: Work on projects that have the potential to create lasting change in regional communities. You’ll develop and present tangible solutions that can make a difference in the local community!
  • Network and Learn: Connect with business leaders, community members, and like-minded peers who share your passion for innovation and impact. You will gain insights from industry experts, participate in expert interviews, and receive feedback from community stakeholders
  • Collaboration: Collaborate with students from different disciplines and campuses, bridging urban and rural perspectives to create well-rounded solutions.

Event name: Rural Innovation Sprint
Date: Monday 18 November to Friday 22 November 2024 (inclusive)
Location: La Trobe University Albury-Wodonga Campus

For more information on how to apply, visit Rural Innovation Sprint.