Young minds from the Greater Springfield region came together to present innovative ideas for building the city of the future during the fifth annual Maha Sinnathamby Ideas and Imagination Award.
Hosted by the Springfield City Group, the event featured students from primary through to senior high school, delivering creative solutions in areas such as education, transport, and community well-being.
The University of Queensland’s Head of Entrepreneurship, Nimrod Klayman, praised the quality of ideas presented during the final pitches.
“It was inspiring to see both the enthusiasm of young children and the sophisticated thinking of older students,” Mr. Klayman said.
“They approached problems thoughtfully, providing solutions that gave us much to reflect on.”
Students were challenged to propose initiatives that would enhance Springfield’s future, focusing on areas like technology, sustainability, and social innovation.
Senior students benefited from a series of workshops with UQ Ventures, The University of Queensland’s entrepreneurship arm, to develop their pitches and entrepreneurial skills.
The award recognised outstanding entries in four categories:
Upper High School Winner: Varad Podutwar, Year 10, St Peters Lutheran College, for SmartGen Springfield, a multi-purpose education, creative, and sports facility.
Lower High School Winner: Samrish Pandiyan, Year 9, St Peters Lutheran College, for EcoSmart Road Grids, sustainable roads for a modern city.
Upper Primary School Winner: Liliana Titley, Year 6, The Springfield Anglican College, for Shoes for YOUths, a facility for upcycling athletic shoes for students.
Lower Primary School Winner: Venba Ravindran, Year 2, St Peters Lutheran College, for Sound Springfield, a community library focused on improving mental health.
Springfield City Group Chairman, Maha Sinnathamby, emphasised the importance of engaging young residents in shaping the city’s future.
“While I have a vision for Springfield, I don’t have all the answers,” Mr. Sinnathamby said.
“These students are learning at a remarkable pace, and their ideas will help make our great city even greater.”
