Students wow judges at i3 Live Pitch Showcase
POSTED November 28 2024 , News
St Mary’s Year 10 students stepped into the spotlight on Wednesday, impressing judges, mentors and peers with their creative and impactful digital solutions at the annual i3 Live Pitch Showcase. This much-anticipated event saw 180 students working in 40 teams to tackle pressing global issues through innovative ideas aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The energy in the room was electric as each team presented their pitches, showcasing months of hard work and collaboration. The event celebrated not only their technological ingenuity but also the courage, persistence and teamwork they demonstrated throughout the year-long program.
Top Honours for ‘Walk Safe’
This year’s top accolade went to the creators of Walk Safe – Angie, Grace, Mikayla and Scarlett – whose groundbreaking app aims to make walking alone safer for women.
The app’s standout features include:
- Real-time location tracking for added security.
- Community alerts to warn users about suspicious activity.
- Quick access to emergency contacts for immediate help.
- An AI-driven Facetime simulation to deter potential threats by mimicking a live conversation.
The innovative design captured the judges’ attention, earning the team the prestigious i3 Live Pitch Showcase Perpetual Trophy, sponsored by Bankwest. Their efforts were further rewarded with an exclusive opportunity to tour Bankwest’s Corporate Headquarters with guest speaker and SheCodes CEO Kate Kirwan, along with Bankwest staff.
Top Five and People’s Choice Award
The competition was fierce, with every team delivering solutions designed to make a positive impact. Additional winners included:
- Second Place: ABL
- Third Place: Life Loom
- Fourth Place: Wellness on Wheels
- Fifth Place: ConnectHer
- People’s Choice Award: Scam Safe, recognized for the most engaging stand display.
Building a Legacy of Innovation
St Mary’s i3 Program thrives thanks to the support of its partners and contributors. This year’s event was made possible by Diamond Partner Bankwest and Gold Partner Anglicare WA, along with a host of industry leaders and community organizations. Key contributors included ABN Group, Curtin University, Microsoft, Rio Tinto, Woodside, and many more who provided guidance, mentorship, and prizes for the students.
Special thanks also go to Scitech, Glossy Boys, Buteros and Rio Tinto for their generous prize donations.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Adding to the event’s energy were motivational talks by guest speakers, including Bankwest Crew Lead Jenna Hawkey, 2025 St Mary’s Technology Captain Laurentia Arjoko, and Year 10 students Ayla, Emma and Heidi, who shared their work experience journeys.
A Proud Moment for St Mary’s
The i3 Live Pitch Showcase highlighted the exceptional creativity and drive of St Mary’s Year 10 students. Their ability to tackle complex problems with forward-thinking solutions underscores the importance of fostering innovation in young minds.
With programs like i3, St Mary’s continues to empower its students to make meaningful contributions to the world – a mission proudly upheld by this year’s cohort.