Bright Minds, Bold Ideas: Students Shaping a Better Future
Farms that float in the sky to protect our food safety and minimise deforestation
Using plants as a way of finding companionship and support
An upcycling program that turns donated clothes into blankets or new items for those in need
For the past five years, Integra has proudly partnered with Crazy Ideas College (CIC) to support young social innovators in bringing their bold ideas to life. And it’s ideas like the ones above that are why we offer continued support.
“We love this program and continue to support it because of the creativity and innovation that young people have when it comes to addressing big issues we care about as a business – homelessness, community connection and care for environment,” said Matt McCabe, General Manager, Integra.
Last month, a group of 64 students from Ballarat High, Damascus College, Ballarat Grammar and Mount Clear College came together to generate bold ideas addressing health and wellbeing, sustainability, and community connection.
Over 2 action-packed days, they designed, prototyped and pitched their ideas. Integra staff, Sam Guirguis and Matt Reynolds were at the pitch and able to provide valuable feedback and insights on where to take the ideas next and how to bring them to life.
One standout idea, Rooted Friends, came from a team at Ballarat High School. Recognizing the difficulties many people face in forming connections, they proposed a “support” plant as an alternative to a support pet. Unlike pets, plants are low-maintenance and accessible, making them a simple yet meaningful companion. Their Smart Start concept includes distributing Rooted Friends to locals and organizing community meet-ups where people can gather, share experiences, and form connections.
Another team from Damascus College introduced Floating Farms, a visionary idea to combat deforestation caused by agriculture. Their concept involves sustainable farms built on metal plates that float in the sky, preserving land and resources. To kickstart this initiative, the team plans to launch vertical garden programs in local primary schools, teaching younger generations about sustainable food production and environmental conservation.
Throughout the event, Integra’s Sam Guirguis and Matt Reynolds engaged with the students, offering industry expertise and encouragement. They were impressed by the students’ passion and ingenuity, reinforcing Integra’s commitment to fostering young innovators who are eager to make a difference.
“We had a great day talking and sharing with the young people. It’s amazing to see the creativity of the young people and their innovative solutions to big problems,” said Matt Reynolds Integra’s Landscape Project Manager.
As these ideas continue to develop, Integra is excited to see how these young changemakers bring their visions to life. By supporting the Social Innovators program, Integra is helping to create a future where crazy ideas become real-world solutions that benefit the whole community.