MYOB Digital Challenge opens registrations with NZD $10,000 prize

In a celebration of innovation marking its 10th year, MYOB has announced the opening of registrations for the MYOB Digital Challenge, inviting technology students from Australia and New Zealand universities to participate. The competition, which aims to encourage young talent to develop technology-driven solutions to real-world business problems, will feature a prize pool of NZD $10,000, the largest in the event’s history.

The initiative is coordinated in partnership with the University of Auckland Case Club (UACC). Since its inception in 2015, the competition has witnessed the participation of over 2,000 students. Last year saw entries from 24 different universities across Australia and New Zealand, highlighting the broad appeal and significant reach of the Challenge.

Emma Fawcett, General Manager, SME at MYOB and a member of the Digital Challenge judging panel, expressed her enthusiasm for this year’s competition. She cited the fast pace of the technology industry and her expectations for comprehensive, intelligent, and well-thought-out solutions. Fawcett indicated that the panel would be looking for entries that not only address the business opportunity but also recognise potential obstacles, ensure future-proofing, and consider the associated risks.

The competition comprises two rounds. In the preliminary round, participants have just over a week to develop and submit a 5-10 minute video presentation along with an executive summary detailing their solution to the posed business problem. A panel consisting of representatives from MYOB and UACC then reviews these submissions. Six teams will progress to the final round, where they will pitch and present their solutions to an expert judging panel.

Caroline Rawlinson, Chief Operating Officer at MYOB and a veteran judge of the competition praised the passion and enthusiasm demonstrated by participants over the years. She noted that the Digital Challenge provides a platform for emerging entrepreneurs and future leaders to test their skills in a real-world setting. Rawlinson emphasised the importance of fostering up-and-coming talent and her excitement at being part of the judging panel once again.

Rawlinson mentioned that this year, she would be looking for innovative ideas that clearly understand market opportunities and commercialisation potential. She stressed the necessity of solutions being grounded in reality and expressed hope for the emergence of new tech start-ups from the current cohort.

Highlighting the competition's impact on students, last year’s winners, Team BHK, created a customer review management platform that leverages generative AI and sentiment analysis to help business owners respond to and understand customer reviews. Ethan Happy, a member of the winning team alongside Haeun Kang and Emily-Kei Brewerton, remarked on the invaluable experience of competing in the Digital Challenge. He noted that the competition offers significant learning opportunities, particularly through the feedback provided by the panel of industry leaders.

Registrations are now open for undergraduate and postgraduate students from universities across New Zealand and Australia. Interested participants must register and submit their entries by 26 June.