2024 Smart Seeds programme
Participants work in diverse teams to interrogate challenges posed by industry leaders and change-makers in our regions. They then harness their creativity to develop innovative ideas, culminating in a pitch of their top solution to a judging panel of industry experts at our Showcase event.
Throughout this experience, teams benefit from mentorship provided by established and growing industry leaders, alongside the guidance of an experienced facilitator, through a series of in-person and virtual learning labs.
Opportunities to be involved
Participant
A future leader, typically within the first 2 to 7 years of their professional journey, driven by a passion to indorse positive change, harbors a growth mindset and is keen to elevate their career trajectory.
Time commitment: Participants are expected to attend all learning labs, comprising three in-person sessions and one virtual session, each lasting between 2.5 to 4 hours. Participants must allocate extra time for team meetings outside of learning labs, which will vary leading up to the Showcase event. It's important that all participants attend and present alongside their team at the Showcase, which entails a total commitment of 5.5 hours, inclusive of rehearsal, preparation and the presentation itself.
Cost per participant: $2,500
Challenge Developer
As a challenge developer, you'll collaborate with other passionate leaders to offer insights into the pressing issues confronting our communities, regions and industries. These challenges will serve as the focal points for participants to address during the 6-week programme. The objective of this session is to identify two challenges that teams will tackle throughout the programme.
Time commitment: Attend a 1.5-hour breakfast session dedicated to brainstorming and refining the challenges. Challenge Developers are also invited to attend the Showcase event, providing them with the opportunity to hear firsthand the innovative solutions derived from the challenges they helped shape.
Alumni Mentor
A former Smart Seeds participant equipped with firsthand experience and deep insights into the programme, poised to support their designated team alongside an experienced industry mentor.
Time commitment: Approximately 20 hours across the 6-week programme, including attendance to most learning labs alongside their team while attending the Showcase event. Alumni mentors are expected to offer consistent check-ins and support to their team, ensuring steady progress while fostering a supportive environment.
Mentor
An experienced professional skilled at offering both professional expertise and creative direction to their designated Smart Seeds team, working alongside an Alumni Mentor. This individual typically holds prior mentoring experience, enriching their team with valuable insights and guidance.
Time commitment: Approximately 20 hours across the 6-week programme, including attendance to most learning labs alongside their team while attending the Showcase event. Additionally, mentors are expected to offer consistent check-ins and support to their team, ensuring steady progress while fostering a supportive environment.
Pitch Panellist (in person) & Validation Coach (virtual role)
These roles are for two different learning labs, each reflecting the same entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to innovation. You have the flexibility to choose the role that aligns best with your interests and availability—you are not obligated to undertake both. Both roles involve challenging teams to evaluate the feasibility of their solutions and ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the core challenge.
Time commitment: Both workshops are designed to last 2.5 to 3 hours, providing opportunity for engagement and guidance. Pitch Panellists and Validation Coaches are invited to attend the Showcase event, offering additional support and encouragement to the teams.
Showcase Judge
Judges, typically in C-suite positions and representing our partner organisations, will lead the final evaluation of each team's solution. The judging panel will comprise 3 to 4 members who will assess the merits of each team's proposal. Judges will engage with the teams, posing questions and offering feedback on the feasibility and potential implementation of their solutions.
Time commitment: Attend a 30-minute judges briefing session 1 week prior to Showcase and attend Showcase, which is approximately 3 hours.
