* Innovative ideas sought for CSU-Hume Bank Life Tech Challenge 2018

* Entries will be judged on their creativity, use of technology, and impact on people

* Finalists invited to participate in a CSU  Bootcamp to advance business ideas

* CSU’s mission is to build skills and knowledge in its regions

Charles Sturt University (CSU) is sponsoring an innovation bootcamp for all finalists in partnership with Hume Bank’s Life Tech Challenge 2018.

The Hume Bank Life Tech Challenge 2018 seeks innovative people who have an idea to improve a standard of living through technology. Entries can improve any aspect of life including: at home, work, farm, social, banking, sustainability, health and well-being, fitness, school, travel, or cooking.

Entries will be judged on their creativity, use of technology, and the impact on people.

Finalists in the competition will be invited to attend a CSU innovation bootcamp in Albury-Wodonga at the end of October which is designed to take participants through the essential steps to propel their business ideas forward.

CSU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Industry and Development) Professor Mary Kelly said, “This initiative builds on the University’s long-term strategic commitment to the growth and development in the regions and communities across New South Wales.

“The Charles Sturt University innovation agenda supports the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem across its footprint, encourages interaction between small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the University, supports business innovation, and encourages jobs growth in the region.

“We are delighted to be able to sponsor the Hume Bank Life Tech Challenge by providing access to the innovation bootcamp which is based on the successful CenWest Innovate model”.

CSU has established three unique and highly focussed incubators: the AgriTech Incubator in Wagga Wagga; CenWest Innovate in Bathurst; and the Walan Mayinygu Indigenous Entrepreneurship Pop Up Hub Program.

“Through these programs, Charles Sturt University provides tailored programs and technical support for growth, as well as business networking and training events which will be facilitated at a number of the University’s campus locations around NSW,” Professor Kelly said.

“The University’s mission is to build skills and knowledge in our regions.

“We are delighted to join in partnership with Hume Bank in looking for innovative, driven, visionary people who have an idea to improve a standard of living through technology will foster regional start-ups and create innovation clusters across the State.

“It will further collaboration with end-users, industry, the professions and communities for the public good.”

Find out more about the Hume Bank Life Tech Challenge 2018 and to enter, go to:

https://www.humebank.com.au/promotions/life-tech-br-challenge-2018-br?utm_source=homepage&utm_medium=community left&utm_campaign=lifetech2018

The CSU Innovation Bootcamp will be held at CSU in Albury-Wodonga from the afternoon of Friday 26 to Sunday 28 October.