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Meet The Next Generation Of Young Entrepreneurs, Innovators, And Leaders Across The Country Working To Bring Their Ideas To Life As They Get A Head Start On Their Chosen Pathway Today! 

Neil Shetty

Neil Shetty

Young Entrepreneur Of The Year

Neil is a passionate entrepreneur who built Snkrs Royale into a successful sneaker reselling business with over 5,000 customers, strong retailer partnerships, and impressive returns, driven by his values, financial acumen, and commitment to personal growth.

Aarohi Bansal

Aarohi Bansal

Young Leader Of The Year

Aarohi is a compassionate leader dedicated to advocacy and inclusion, demonstrated through her volunteer coaching for Special Olympics Australia, youth council roles, and commitment to purpose-driven leadership in creating tangible change for vulnerable communities.

Bhavya -Ashutosh Vaitha

Bhavya -Ashutosh Vaitha

BOP Alumni Of The Year

Ashtoush, founder of PEETA and VOCA, has created innovative communication tools inspired by his non-verbal autistic brother, empowering individuals with autism through accessible, tailored, and affordable digital platforms.

Julian Mitchell

Julian Mitchell

Young Entrepreneur Of The Year

Julian, a Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist and founder of JMDigital, has transformed his digital services company from a passion project into a thriving business, supporting small businesses, sponsoring community initiatives, and fostering local economic growth.

Rebecca Ju

Rebecca Ju

Young Leader Of The Year

Rebecca, the youngest Vice President of Amnesty International's NSW Activism and Leadership Committee and founder of Youth 4 Difference, empowers young people through activism, volunteering, and policy initiatives, driving meaningful change with empathy and ambition.

Ashutosh Vaitha

Ashutosh Vaitha

Young Innovator Of The Year

Ashtoush, founder of PEETA and VOCA, has created innovative communication tools inspired by his non-verbal autistic brother, empowering individuals with autism through accessible, tailored, and affordable digital platforms.

Annie Rogers

Annie Rogers

Young Entrepreneur Of The Year

Annie, creator of ‘My Voice,’ designed a necklace-like Bluetooth speaker to help non-verbal individuals communicate more naturally, fostering inclusivity, respect, and deeper connections through improved eye contact and accessibility.

Evelyn Edwards

Evelyn Edwards

Next Gen Of The Year

Evelyn, a passionate coder proficient in Python and HTML, has independently created a Python game, contributed to Moonhack and Techgirls competitions, and blends her interests in STEM, art, and writing to develop impactful projects and mentor others.

Meena Srinivasan

Meena Srinivasan

Young Entrepreneur Of The Year

Meena founded "mini steps" in 2022 to promote sustainability by encouraging local buying and raising awareness about eco-friendly practices, with a mission to inspire environmentally conscious consumer behavior through various media and community engagement.

Michael Openshaw

Michael Openshaw

Innovative Educator Of The Year

Michael has transformed education by introducing personalized learning plans for senior students and a comprehensive career education program for Year 9 students, focusing on holistic development and practical career preparation.

Charlie Bidgood

Charlie Bidgood

Young Innovator Of The Year

Charlie’s SolBot is an autonomous drone system with a motorised brush and high-pressure water cleaner designed to efficiently clean hard-to-reach solar panels—improving energy performance—with future plans to expand into residential and broader surface cleaning.

Project Bray Green

Project Bray Green

Young Leader Of The Year

Year 8 students Omar, Corey, Tyler, and Lachlan launched an innovative, reward-based recycling initiative featuring QR codes, a website, and prizes to improve student recycling habits, with plans to expand it to schools nationwide and promote sustainable behaviour.

Parisa Azad

Parisa Azad

Next Gen Of The Year

Parisa is a high-achieving student with a strong passion for STEM, recognised for her academic excellence, volunteer work, and leadership roles while overcoming challenges and drawing on her diverse cultural background to inspire positive change.

Palash Punde

Palash Punde

Next Gen Of The Year

Palash is the founder of Aquacomix, a Brisbane-based social enterprise creating comics, games, and educational resources to inspire young people about marine life and conservation, combining his passion for the ocean with entrepreneurship and community impact.

Belle Cardew

Belle Cardew

Young Leader Of The Year

Inspired by her mother’s community involvement, Belle is a capable and adaptable leader whose open-mindedness, problem-solving skills, and commitment to self-improvement drive her passion for creating meaningful change in her school and local community.

Lilia Dorfman

Lilia Dorfman

Young Innovator Of The Year

Lilia’s Interakt is a personalised education app that connects students with tutors for real-time, face-to-face or audio learning, fostering meaningful mentor relationships while promoting community service and tailored, transformative learning experiences.

Ekaterina Khakimullina

Ekaterina Khakimullina

Next Gen Of The Year

After moving to Australia from Russia and facing exclusion, Ekaterina became a purpose-driven leader committed to creating inclusive, empowering spaces where all students can thrive, embodying respect, initiative, and the belief that leadership is a collective effort.

Eeishu Mithun

Eeishu Mithun

Next Gen Of The Year

Eeishu developed the "EXTRA automated garage door," a smart, voice-activated system using number plate recognition to enhance convenience and safety—especially for the elderly and physically challenged—reflecting her passion for accessible, tech-driven solutions.

Challenge Bandits

Challenge Bandits

Next Gen Of The Year

The Challenge Bandits from Scouts WA are a dedicated team of young leaders collaborating on various projects that address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Matthew Hall

Matthew Hall

Innovative Educator Of The Year

Matthew is revolutionising the way AI is used in classrooms by flipping the traditional model. Through his innovative conversational AI approach, he’s empowering students to think critically and creatively, positioning AI as a mentor rather than a tool.

Kit Keulemans

Kit Keulemans

Young Innovator Of The Year

Kit, a Young Innovator of the Year finalist, founded Tomorrow’s Hope, a pioneering platform combining education, awareness, and AI to break mental health stigmas and foster open conversations among young people and their families.

Justin Magsino

Justin Magsino

Innovative Educator Of The Year

Justin has transformed education through "PathPod," a podcast fostering community and self-reflection, and by empowering students to lead their learning through innovative, student-driven teaching methods.

Mia Sinosic - Cass

Mia Sinosic - Cass

Next Gen Of The Year

Mia is a passionate young leader who empowers others through her global self-development platform, tutoring business, sustainability innovations, and financial literacy initiatives, inspiring positive change and personal growth worldwide.

Bhavya -Ashutosh Vaitha

Bhavya -Ashutosh Vaitha

Young Entrepreneur Of The Year

Ashtoush, founder of PEETA and VOCA, has created innovative communication tools inspired by his non-verbal autistic brother, empowering individuals with autism through accessible, tailored, and affordable digital platforms.

Quilted Quest

Quilted Quest

Dream Team Of The Year

Sarbani and Isabella, co-founders of Quilted Quest, address social isolation and textile waste by transforming old clothing into quilts, fostering community connections, and supporting charities through creative recycling initiatives.

Joshua Toth

Joshua Toth

Innovative Educator Of The Year

Joshua transforms education through innovative projects like 'Rapid Value Creation' and the Enterprise & Entrepreneurship Education Programme, fostering creativity, financial literacy, and leadership to equip students for a dynamic future.

Project Bray Green

Project Bray Green

Young Innovator Of The Year

‘Project Bray Green,’ created by Year 8 students at Bray Park SHS, encourages recycling through a rewarding system that allows students to earn points and prizes by scanning QR codes, promoting sustainability and a greener lifestyle.

Michelle Fitzpatrick

Michelle Fitzpatrick

Innovative Educator Of The Year

Michelle leads the highly successful i3 program, an entrepreneurial STEM initiative for Year 10 students, connecting them with industry mentors and partners, and aims to create a lasting system that prepares students for success in education and the workforce.

Stephanie Beaumont

Stephanie Beaumont

Young Leader Of The Year

Stephanie's leadership journey, fueled by her parents' support and her passion for youth advocacy, has led her to roles such as School Captain and Chairperson of the Kwinana Youth Advisory Council, where she champions resilience, inclusion, and change-making.

Henry Coward

Henry Coward

Young Entrepreneur Of The Year

Henry launched Tollz, a cashback rewards platform that helps Australians reduce toll costs by depositing earnings from everyday purchases at over 1,000 retailers, including Apple, Freedom, and eBay, directly into their Linkt & Eastlink accounts.

Annie Rogers

Annie Rogers

Young Innovator Of The Year

Annie created My Voice, a discreet Bluetooth speaker worn as a necklace that helps non-verbal individuals communicate more naturally by projecting their voice from their neck—encouraging eye contact, connection, and inclusivity.

Emma Wilson

Emma Wilson

Innovative Educator Of The Year

Emma leads the development of transdisciplinary, project-based learning units empowering students to drive community-focused social justice and sustainability initiatives through innovative curriculum models like.

Sarbani Maitra

Sarbani Maitra

Next Gen Of The Year

Sarbani is a passionate and high-achieving student whose dedication to excellence spans academics, leadership, music, public speaking, and sport earning national titles in squash, top academic honours, and community leadership roles.

Kim Flintoff

Kim Flintoff

Innovative Educator Of The Year

Since 2021, Kim has transformed the TIDES program at PCACS into a dynamic, challenge-based learning experience that empowers Years 7–10 students to explore innovation, sustainability, and design thinking, fostering future-ready change-makers.

Oliver Lim

Oliver Lim

Young Leader Of The Year

Driven by his experience living with Lupus SLE, Oliver has become an inspiring leader who uses his journey of overcoming medical and social challenges to advocate for young people with disabilities and empower others through public speaking.

Archie Harrigan

Archie Harrigan

Young Entrepreneur Of The Year

Driven by a passion to tackle Australia’s scam epidemic, Archie developed a user-friendly app that scans calls and texts against a reported database, empowering users with real-time scam alerts, customisation, and self-protection tools.

Tawana Mawoko

Tawana Mawoko

Next Gen Of The Year

Inspired by his own migration journey, Tawana is a dedicated youth advocate and leader who has organised the first Kwinana Young Leaders Youth Forum, and launching initiatives to promote student mental health and community connection.

Tafadzwa Gore

Tafadzwa Gore

Next Gen Of The Year

Tafadzwa is a 17-year-old award-winning author and environmentalist, using her voice and platform to make a global impact.

Anika Arulsingham

Anika Arulsingham

Next Gen Of The Year

A standout in academics, performing arts, sports, and leadership. From earning over 16 academic awards to achieving AMEB levels in viola, voice, and piano, Anika is a powerhouse of talent and dedication.

Tafadzwa Gore

Tafadzwa Gore

Next Gen Of The Year

Tafadzwa is an award-winning author and environmentalist who, by age 16, gained international recognition for her writing, led sustainable initiatives like UNICEF Zimbabwe’s Eco-reusable pads project, and mentors global environmental efforts through her dedication to impactful advocacy.

Team Canary

Team Canary

Dream Team Of The Year

Team Canary develops innovative wearable and environmental monitoring technology to enhance workplace safety by providing real-time alerts for potential hazards and promoting employee well-being.

Gideon Tse

Gideon Tse

Next Gen Of The Year

Gideon is a versatile and accomplished young leader excelling in academics, sports, music, public speaking, and service, with numerous prestigious awards highlighting his dedication to excellence and impactful contributions.

Aaron We

Aaron We

Young Leader Of The Year

Aaron, driven by a passion for youth representation, has organised impactful Youth Forums, including the Brisbane Youth Forum at Parliament House, connecting young people with decision-makers to foster inclusivity and inspire change.

Eeishu Mithun

Eeishu Mithun

Young Innovator Of The Year

Eeishu, a Young Innovator of the Year finalist, developed the EXTRA automated garage door, leveraging technology like number plate recognition and voice assistants to enhance accessibility, safety, and convenience for all, especially the elderly and physically challenged.

Rob Steffler

Rob Steffler

Innovative Educator Of The Year

Rob, founder of GCC's Year 10 DeLorean Project, revolutionizes education by fostering entrepreneurship and enterprise skills, empowering students to solve real-world problems, and achieving impactful success through innovative projects and university partnerships.

Kshithij Chandrashekar

Kshithij Chandrashekar

Next Gen Of The Year

Kshithij, a passionate and innovative problem solver, has excelled in public speaking, STEM competitions, and social impact initiatives, driven by his curiosity, creativity, and a deep appreciation for his immigrant roots and the opportunities his parents provided.

Deenah Quadri

Deenah Quadri

Young Leader Of The Year

Deenah, empowered by her experience with bullying, became a resilient leader, using her empathy and advocacy to create an inclusive environment and champion mutual respect, while fostering collaboration and valuing diverse voices within her school community.

Felix Abbot

Felix Abbot

Young Innovator Of The Year

Felix has developed an innovative semi-supervised machine learning solution for remote sheep monitoring, utilizing modern technologies like LiDAR, thermography, and soil maps to predict outcomes with exceptional accuracy and enhance agricultural practices.

Siobhan Wilson

Siobhan Wilson

Young Entrepreneur Of The Year

Born prematurely and facing medical challenges, Siobhan founded Our Pixie Friends, a social enterprise offering resources, stories, sensory products, and inclusive events to support children through adversity and help them embrace their unique identities.

Pal Katkar

Pal Katkar

Young Leader Of The Year

Pal is a passionate and collaborative leader whose work has equipped her with strong skills in planning, conflict resolution, and community impact guided by empathy, accountability, and a commitment to positive change.

Nicole Amey

Nicole Amey

Innovative Educator Of The Year

Nicole has embedded a range of entrepreneurship programs for Years 7–12 fostering employability, financial literacy, and community impact while strengthening industry connections for regional youth.

Luke Palfreyman

Luke Palfreyman

Next Gen Of The Year

Luke is a driven and compassionate student whose commitment to academic excellence, environmental action, and co-curricular pursuits, from founding a sustainability group to excelling in robotics, music, and leadership, demonstrates his passion for making a lasting, positive impact.

Michelle Fitzpatrick

Michelle Fitzpatrick

Innovative Educator Of The Year

Michelle’s visionary leadership led to the creation an interdisciplinary STEM program for Year 10 students that has engaged over 1,100 participants and 500 industry mentors inspired by a transformative student trip to Silicon Valley.

Mingming Zheng

Mingming Zheng

Young Innovator Of The Year

Mingming’s AusApp is an innovative communication tool that uses a phone’s camera and visual aids to bridge the gap between Auslan users and non-signers, promoting inclusivity and two-way understanding.

Lucas Lane

Lucas Lane

Young Entrepreneur Of The Year

Lucas founded Glossy Boys, a bold nail polish brand designed for men, combining durable, quick-drying gel polish with user-friendly kits to break stereotypes, promote self-expression, and redefine male grooming with confidence and creativity.

Meena Srinivasan

Meena Srinivasan

Next Gen Of The Year

Meena is inspiring to change one “mini step” at a time. Through her sustainability project and podcast, she’s raising awareness about consumer behavior and its environmental impact.

DeepDive4U

DeepDive4U

Next Gen Of The Year

DeepDive4U, run by Veer Sareen and Mehar Sareen, is diving deep into success by creating a platform where young people can explore diverse professions.

Anotida Chiyangwa

Anotida Chiyangwa

Next Gen Of The Year

Using recycled and sustainable materials, prefabricated parts, and cutting-edge tech, Anotida's innovative approach reduces building time, environmental impact, and sets a new standard for sustainable architecture.

The Australian Next Gen Awards 2023 - Showcasing The Next Generation Of Young Innovators, Entrepreneurs And Changemakers

Showcasing The Next Generation Of Top Talent Across The Country!

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