LEARNING about entrepreneurship and innovation Newcastle's first Innovation Summit brought together 70 students from six high schools across the Hunter.
The year 9 to 11 students formed at the University of Newcastle over two days from July 29 to 30 to explore emerging careers and learn how to build a better city.
Participating in a hackathon, the students built ideas such as ivy-covered green bus shelters, a gamified trash collection platform and a healthy fast food caravan.
The Newcastle event came out of Future Minds Network's mission to tackle the alarming number of young people leaving school before year 12 in the Hunter.
Future Minds Network CEO and 2022 Forbes 30 Under 30 enlistee Nathaniel Diong steered the program at the university's Brennan Hall, along with Young Australian of the Year recipients and social entrepreneur guest speakers.
"We are incredibly excited by Newcastle's first Innovation Summit," he said.
Over $2500 in cash prizes were distributed to encourage students to amplify their voices and pursue entrepreneurial dreams.
"The program exceeded our expectations and demonstrated the incredible potential of our young people to drive innovation and change in their communities," Mr Diong said.
Feedback from students was that the event was "inspiring and transformative".
Mr Diong has also partnered with the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation to provide fee-free scholarships to 70 young people.
"Everyone deserves the right to access an education," he said.
He said Future Minds plans to host a four-week fellowship for young entrepreneurs, aiming to reach more students and foster a culture of innovation in the Hunter region.
