BrainSTEM
Innovation Challenge 2026
Congratulations to the following Year 9 and 10 students who participated in the 2026 BrainSTEM Innovation Challenge: Milla Ruse, Ned Treasure, Kabir Vahanvati, Toby Whyte, Louis Erickson, Aria D’Souza, Zoe Stephen and Callum Martin.
Over a 12‑week program, students worked alongside industry and scientific mentors to research, design and develop innovative solutions to real-world problems in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Through a structured design-thinking framework, they strengthened their critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, presentation and public speaking skills.
As reported, the challenge began on 27 March with a kickstarter event at RMIT University, where students attended presentations from other schools and participated in an interactive Design Thinking and Ideation Workshop. The workshop introduced the BrainSTEM Design Thinking Framework and encouraged students to explore the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through creative brainstorming activities, including hands-on LEGO challenges.
Students were divided into two teams, each supported by an expert mentor.
Group 1
Milla Ruse, Ned Treasure and Kabir Vahanvati were mentored by Dr Ruwini Cooray, a postdoctoral neuroscience researcher with expertise in molecular biology, genetics and translational neurobiology. The team developed a computer game designed to engage young people while teaching them about personal income tax and the risks associated with “buy now, pay later” schemes. Their project aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.
Nora Barnard-Hill and Michelle Di Gennaro were also involved in the early stages of the project and contributed several important ideas before withdrawing due to other commitments.
Group 2
Toby Whyte, Louis Erickson, Aria D’Souza, Zoe Stephen and Callum Martin were mentored by Dr Khurram Munir, a Project R&D Engineer at RMIT University. Their project focused on reducing the number of surgeries resulting from bone fractures by investigating biodegradable implant materials.
The team tested a range of metals and alloys to identify the most effective and sustainable option, supporting UN Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing and Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Throughout Term 2 and the beginning of Term 3, both groups met regularly with their mentors online to refine their research and develop their innovations.
The program concluded with a showcase presentation event on 27 July, where students presented their projects to an audience of parents, teachers, mentors and students from schools across Victoria. Both teams presented with confidence and professionalism, engaging the audience and demonstrating the depth of their research and collaboration. Each participant received a certificate recognising their achievement.
When reflecting on the experience, students highlighted the value of working with industry experts and tackling authentic STEM challenges:
“I liked how we had a mentor who guided us through what we were doing and made sure we understood the STEM behind it.”
“It challenged me in an area that I enjoy. Learning about this showed me how important STEM is in today’s workplace.”
“I liked that it was student-led and that we had a very knowledgeable mentor.”
“We got to work with an expert in the field and come up with a genuine product idea and design.”
“I liked the creativity and innovation involved in the program.”
The BrainSTEM Innovation Challenge provided an outstanding opportunity for our students to apply classroom learning to meaningful real-world issues, collaborate with professionals and gain valuable insight into future STEM pathways. We are incredibly proud of their commitment, creativity and willingness to embrace such a challenging and rewarding experience.
