Two innovative Scarborough students have put their coastal suburb on the technology map by securing a top prize for their creative ideas at a major regional competition.
The recent Mayor’s Telstra Innovation Awards, held at Grace College, saw young minds from across the region pitch their best concepts. Diaz Jake and Ronan, representing the Scarborough-based Southern Cross Catholic College, took home second place for their efforts. The event challenged secondary school students to develop fresh uses for existing technology or invent completely new digital tools.
The competition serves as a platform for local youth to solve real-world problems through design and engineering. Students were encouraged to explore a wide range of fields, including gaming technology, smarter digital devices, and new social media concepts.
The program also challenged teenagers to think about broader issues, asking them to design solutions for agriculture, cyber security, conservation, and community health. The local council expressed pride in partnering with Telstra to give young people an avenue to explore these endless possibilities.
The Scarborough duo faced tough competition during the pitch night, which featured ten teams from six different schools across the City of Moreton Bay. The Lakes College secured the first-place position, while St Columban’s College rounded out the top three by taking third. Other local schools that participated in the challenging event included Bray Park State High, Genesis Christian College, and North Lakes State College.
The community turned out to support the next generation of tech leaders. Several local representatives attended the evening to hear the pitches and encourage the students. Jodie Shipway, Matt Constance, Tony Latter, and Ellie Smith were all present, showing a shared focus on supporting educational initiatives and celebrating the technological achievements of the region’s youth.
Published Date 29-June-2026
