Hundreds of high school students will develop the skills and knowledge to design solutions to global challenges through an academic enrichment program.
UNSW Sydney is expanding its partnership with global non-profit XPRIZE, bringing the XPRIZE Connect academic enrichment program to high schools in India and Indonesia.
The expansion follows a successful Australian pilot in 2024, which saw 238 students from 11 high schools engage with the program.
XPRIZE designs and operates large-scale competitions that encourage breakthroughs addressing some of humanity’s greatest challenges. XPRIZE Connect brings this approach to high school students, encouraging them to think critically about the issues they believe are most important to resolve.
Through a self-paced learning experience, students build skills in critical thinking, creative problem solving and communication while exploring issues that matter to them and their communities. Students develop their ideas through the program before having the opportunity to put their learning into practice through a final pitch.
UNSW Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education Student Experience, Sarah Maddison, said the Australian pilot demonstrated the power of this approach to learning.
“Bringing XPRIZE Connect to India and Indonesia gives us an opportunity to share success, connecting with hundreds more students and giving them the tools, confidence and curiosity to turn their ideas into meaningful solutions.
“The program reflects what Progress for All is about – equipping people with the knowledge and skills to make a positive difference. By expanding XPRIZE Connect internationally, we’re giving more young people the opportunity to think boldly, tackle real-world challenges and see themselves as part of a movement creating a better future.”
The Australian pilot generated strong engagement. Students from 90% of participating schools developed and submitted 39 final pitches, proposing solutions to real-world challenges.
UNSW Executive Director of Marketing & Digital Experience, Sofia Lloyd-Jones, said the program created an opportunity to engage students through an experience that reflects UNSW’s approach to learning and innovation.
“The success of our Australian pilot showed us the potential of XPRIZE Connect to engage young people well before they begin thinking about their university journey, through an experience that reflects the way we approach learning and innovation at UNSW,” Ms. Lloyd-Jones said.
“Expanding the program into Indonesia and India allows us to build meaningful, long-term relationships with schools and their students, while giving more young people the opportunity to develop the skills, curiosity and confidence to tackle complex challenges and create positive change.”
Building on this foundation, UNSW is extending XPRIZE Connect to high schools in Indonesia and India, creating new opportunities for young people to engage with learning, innovation and positive societal impact.
Interest in the international program has been strong, with 55 schools and more than 840 students registered across the two countries. In Indonesia, 28 schools and 615 students have registered to participate.
The program was officially launched at the Australian Embassy in Jakarta in September, bringing together 127 attendees representing schools from across Indonesia.
UNSW Country Director for Indonesia Nur Fatmah Syarbini said the response demonstrated strong interest from Indonesian schools and students in globally relevant learning experiences.
“The response from schools across Indonesia has been incredibly encouraging, with more than 600 students registering from schools across the country,” Ms Syarbini said.
“Bringing the program to Indonesia for the first time reflects UNSW’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality, globally relevant learning opportunities and creating progress for students and communities.”
In India, 27 schools and 238 students registered to participate at the program’s official launch on 18 September.
Building a global community of young changemakers
The expansion creates an opportunity for UNSW to build deeper relationships with high schools and students in India and Indonesia.
By engaging students while they are still at school, XPRIZE Connect gives young people an early insight into UNSW’s commitment to progress for all, for society and the planet.
The program also builds on UNSW and XPRIZE’s shared ambition to equip young people with the skills, mindset and confidence to create positive change.
The program reflects what Progress for All is about – equipping people with the knowledge and skills to make a positive difference. By expanding XPRIZE Connect internationally, we’re giving more young people the opportunity to think boldly, tackle real-world challenges and see themselves as part of a movement creating a better future.
