+ What exactly is an Idea Collider?

An Idea Collider is a dynamic event that is designed to spark innovation and creativity. Here you will work with peers to solve a relevant issue in a short time frame under the guidance of our innovation facilitators. You’ll think critically about the problem before developing an idea of a solution and finally delivering a short 3-minute presentation to discuss your idea. The purpose is to practice the process of innovation and to meet like-minded people.

+ Is there any online access to these events?

We have our information session recording on the website and our recording of the Expert Panel to be uploaded to the website shortly. The Idea Collider events and the Challenge itself will be held in person. This is due to the nature of the events and the strong networking focus behind the events to build innovative networks across the Hunter New England and Central Coast regions.

+ Is there any guidance on what data sets might be available for us to work with?

During the challenge, we will provide access to a resource page for all attendees to view. These include reports published under the PHN regarding mental health and demographic information.

+ Is the use of AI in the challenge accepted?

Of course! We are seeking a broad range of early intervention solutions and as long as the solution meets the criteria and provides value, it will celebrated.

+ What will a good solution look like?

Proposed solutions can be new or improved processes, products, and/or services relevant to addressing the challenge statement. A solution must demonstrate how it will improve the mental fitness of community members, reduce the demand for over-prescribed mental health services, be distinct from current solutions/status quo, and have the potential to be adopted by end users/beneficiaries and/or the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network as a future mental health initiative. Please read the ‘Judging’ section in the Rules for more information.

+ I have a pre-conceived idea, is this okay to enter the challenge?

All ideas are accepted on merit, but we are seeking new early intervention solutions and for the solution to meet the criteria. In particular, problem-solution fit. Perhaps your idea requires adjustments or pivots based on the insights you have gained during the challenge and from mentor advice?

+ How many people should be in a team?

Teams must consist of a minimum of three members to a maximum of five members. Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis as decided by the Organisers.

+ Is the prize money intended to implement the idea?

The prize money is $2,000 Most Innovative, $1000 Highly Commended and a $500 Rising Star prize. This will distributed to the Team Leader who will then distribute the prize on behalf of the team to how the team best sees fit.

+ Are usability and accessibility requirements factored into the event?

Yes, accessibility requirements are factored into every event and all locations.

+ Will the successful initiative be eligible for future funding?

The aim of this challenge is for the PHN to identify new and innovative solution that may potentially be considered for further development and support from the PHN. If any of the solutions are considered eligible for future PHN support and/or funding this would be discussed directly with team members outside the scope of the Challenge event.

+ Do I have to live/work in the area?

Yes, one team member must live or work in the HNECC area. Teams will be formed on Friday during the challenge. If you are out of area, we can try and link you with team members who reside or work in the Hunter New England Central Coast region.  

+ What are the marking criteria?

The solution should be adaptable, accessible and scalable. There will be a 5-minute pitch in which the team presents their idea. The following criteria is key to the judging process: innovation, solution-fit, feasibility, prototype and presentation.  

+ What is a Prototype and what is Feasibility?

These terms will be explained at length on the Friday 15th night of the challenge. A prototype is a rough draft of your idea used to explain the concept. Prototypes should follow the principles of rough, rapid and right. To better understand these terms, you can register for the Idea Collider events to have a taste of the challenge and the innovation process. Feasibility is how likely you are to be able implement the solution with scale across the Primary Health Network.

+ Do I have to be a health professional to participate?

Anyone with a desire to solve big problems! Attendees from all backgrounds, educations, gender and geographies are welcome. We want to see a wide range of attendees, including health professionals, people with lived experience and their carers, business professionals, entrepreneurs, scientists, researchers, students, coders, and graphic designers – the list is endless. Prior experience within the mental health sector is not a requirement. Health professionals are seeking support in implementing their solutions and this is where your talents are key to the team formation on the Friday 15th March.

+ Will the teams themselves retain full IP for the ideas submitted?

Whatever IP that is generated from the challenge is the teams’ responsibility to organise and distribute. For instance, if some members of the team wish to continue with the idea after the challenge, then it is the teams’ responsibility to organise any IP. The PHN takes no responsibility for IP distribution and ownership generated during the challenge.

+ Are there people with lived experience involved in the events and the challenge?

Yes, please see our expert panel section of the website and other event staff and attendees for examples. We are proud to take community-driven approach to challenge of mental fitness within our community.

+ Are there different expectations for new ideas versus ideas that are pre-conceived?

All ideas will be judged on merit of the concept and feasibility. This will be taken into consideration by the judges on the day but all ideas will be marked according to the criteria.

+ Is there any future investment/post challenge support?

Both the University of Newcastle’s I2N and University of New England run accelerator and pre-accelerator programs and more information about them can be found on their website linked here:

University of Newcastle I2N: Integrated Innovation Network (I2N) / Business and Industry / Engage / The University of Newcastle, Australia

University New England Smart Region Incubator: UNE SMART Region Incubator (unesri.com.au)