Innovation Challenge Winners
MENTAL HEALTH INNOVATION CHALLENGE
Fri-Sat, 15-16 March 2024
Innovation Challenge Winners
MENTAL HEALTH INNOVATION CHALLENGE
Fri-Sat, 15-16 March 2024
Mental Health Innovation Challenge Summary
WINNERS
MOST INNOVATIVE $2,000
MFit Gainz- A sharable visually based mental fitness journey map connecting to a range of community providers & therapists, developing an awareness of mental fitness & the ways it declines. See more.
HIGHLY COMMENDED $1,000
Sharing Voices, Sharing The Load- Broadcasting the voices of individuals with lived experiences to destigmatize discussions that can alter the course for those vulnerable to mental illness. See more.
RISING STAR $500
Songwriting For Wellbeing- Imagine a world where mental fitness and emotional healing begins with a simple melody and self-discovery flows through your own lyrics. See more.
Challenge Winners MFit Gainz with team members: Ian Robert Cox, Kudzai beta, Renee Hall and Christina Zalud
Thank You To Our Partners
Thank You To Our Partners
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
The Mental Health Innovation Challenge was delivered in partnership with the Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN), the University of Newcastle’s Integrated Innovation Network and the University of New England.
Thank You To Our Judges & Mentors
Thank You To Our Judges & Mentors
THANK YOU TO OUR JUDGES
Richard Nankervis,
Chief Executive Officer,
HNECC PHN
Richard commenced as Chief Executive position of HNECC PHN on 1 July 2015. Additionally, Richard is a founding Director on the Governing Board of the NSW Regional Health Partners (NSWRHP) Centre for Innovation in Regional Health, and sits on the Aboriginal Health Committee of the Hunter New England Local Health District Board.
Richard’s university training includes a Bachelor of Science at the University of Sydney, a Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) at the University of Sydney, and a Master of Health Administration at the University of New South Wales. He is also a Graduate of the Company Directors Course at the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Siobhan Curran,
Director of Entrepreneurship,
University of Newcastle
Siobhan Curran is the Director, Entrepreneurship at The University of Newcastle and leads the Integrated Innovation Network (I2N) which helps people develop their enterprise skills and impact potential, validate ideas and accelerate to market, regardless of their affiliation to the University.
Siobhan has grown up in a family of serial entrepreneurs - her parents and four siblings have founded a total of 17 businesses between them - and has pyed supporting roles with successful female entrepreneurs including Collette Dinnigan and Donna Hay. Siobhan completed a Masters in Business Administration (Innovation & Entrepreneurship) with Honors from the University of Newcastle in 2019 and in 2023 was named Entrepreneurial Leader of the Year (Asia-Pacific) at the Triple E Awards in Barcelona.
James Bradley,
Co-Founder & I2N Entrepreneur-in-residence,
Diffuse Energy
James Bradley, co-founder of Diffuse Energy and past I2N Entrepreneur-In-Residence (EIR), who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the forefront of innovation. Not only has James provided guidance and mentorship to entrepreneurs at I2N for the last 2 years, but his leadership extends to the development of highly efficient small wind turbines. With a background in engineering and extensive management experience, James's ability to analyze complex problems and craft innovative solutions is a true asset to our judging panel.
THANK YOU TO OUR MENTORS
Matthew Barry,
Digital Product Designer & Founder of Actified
Matt is the founder of Actified, an agency helping subject matter experts, researchers and startups transform their research, IP and ideas into minimum viable products. He also draws on his experience as a former fintech co-founder to support startup ventures in a voluntary role for the I2N Venture Mentor Service.
With a background in user experience design and years of direct experience in the start up space, Matt employs agile and design sprint methodologies to drive validated product outcomes with a focus on collaboration.
Aimee Prosser,
Mental Health Occupational Therapist
Aimee currently works for a large multidisciplinary private practice providing clinical leadership for Occupational Therapists, Mental Health Social Workers, Physiotherapists, Exercise Physiologists, Speech Pathologists, Dieticians and Allied Health Assistance staff across the Hunter, Central Coast, and Sydney. As an Occupational Therapist over the last 20 years Aimee has worked in acute care, rehabilitation, community, aged care, and primary care sectors and now enjoys working primarily with NDIS clients. Aimee is a member of the OT Australia NDIS National Reference Group, and is passionate about achieving the best quality of life for her clients, and advocating for the role of allied health in disability and community care.
Dr Kylie Bailey,
Senior Clinical Psychologist & Service Director
Kylie is a Senior Clinical Psychologist who is a practising clinician, service director and a researcher clinician specialising in addiction, mental health, and chronic pain. Kylie has worked for the University of Newcastle as an academic, as well as for Local Health Districts, not-for profit organisations and in private practice.
She has written treatment manuals, conducted translational research, has been an invited speaker, and published over 30 journal articles. Kylie has also developed training and mentoring programs for health professionals and is also a member of the PHN’s Allied Health Reference Group.
Craig Hewat,
Managing Director, Engage VR
Craig brings a wealth of experience to the Engage VR business and has an undeniable passion for everything that he is involved in.
Craig is a qualified Exercise Physiologist and Physiotherapist and has more than 25 years experience working across a range of industries in Sport, Rehabilitation and Health.
Jordan Freeman,
Co-Founder of Ariel Foundation
Jordan Freeman, a Digital Transformation Lead and Co-Founder of Ariel Community, dedicated to leveraging digital innovation to bridge the gap between people with disability and Australian communities.
THANK YOU TO OUR REPRESENTATIVES
