- 22 Premier’s Coding Challenge winners announced
- Over 400 entries received from 114 schools in 2023
- Annual state-wide initiative promotes STEM skills
22 of Queensland’s brightest young science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students have been acknowledged at the 2023 Premier’s Coding Challenge awards ceremony in Brisbane.
The annual state-wide challenge proved more popular than ever in 2023, with a total of 424 entries from 114 schools received for the 2023 edition.
This year’s theme was #digitalinnovationqld and students were encouraged to create positive change in their local community and beyond by examining real world problems and responding with innovative digital solutions.
Entering as individuals or pairs, students could develop an app, game or website alongside a short video to explain and evaluate their entry.
Themes chosen by entrants this year included: being safe online; healthy living; creating a sustainable future and supporting people with disability.
Each winning student received a robotics or electronics kit, a tour of QUT facilities, a tailored feedback session with experts and a framed award certificate.
Quotes attributable to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk:
“Congratulations to all applicants and winners of this year’s Coding Challenge.
“We know STEM will play a critical role in Queensland’s emerging industries, which these young people will hopefully forge their careers in.
“I’m extremely proud of the pool of talent across the state and want to thank everyone who put entered the challenge.”
Quotes attributable to Education Minister Grace Grace:
“These talented young students represent the future of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in Queensland.
“STEM skills are a vital focus for education in Queensland so it’s great to see these young people engaging with them and taking hold of a real opportunity to make their voice heard.
“I thank all of the expert judges from industry, universities and government along with schools and teachers for supporting this year’s Challenge with their time and expertise.
“All of the entries were fantastic and the winning entries show the innovation and talent we have with our young people here in Queensland schools.”
Quotes attributable to judging panel representative Samuel (Sam) Sinnamon, Senior Architect at TechnologyOne:
“Coming from a business like TechnologyOne that puts digital innovation at the heart of everything we do, we are always excited to see how the next generation is using their creativity in this space.
“This year we have seen the students present some really ‘out of the box’ submissions; the high standard set always makes the judging process quite challenging.”
