Emily Bobis

TL/DR: What did you eat for breakfast at the weekend? A cohort of tasty designers? Our Sharks did.   Last weekend, 13 of our post-graduate design students completed their 7-week module in Creative Entrepreneurship by facing their deepest fears, and two of New Zealand’s fiercest sharks, in a live Shark Tank experiment.   Each student was given 7 minutes to present an amazing new product or service that incredibly, didn’t exist 7 weeks ago.   Back then, they were asked to cast themselves in the role of founder of a start-up that uses an emerging (or re-emerging) technology to solve a real-world problem in an innovative way.   For emerging technology, think AI, biochemistry, solar, robotics, etc, and for ‘re-merging’ think anything ancient, forgotten, or obsolete.   Then through a process of visioneering, questioning, R&D, prototyping and iterating, they would build their product (or service), develop a business plan, then reveal their immaculately conceived baby to our panel of world-famous sharks (who we’d deliberately starved).   How would the students fare? Would they get ripped to shreds?   Our sharking duo, Simon Coley and Wendy Kerr, are no strangers to this game having survived it in the real world. Simon, founder, the Karma Drinks range, believes in doing good through trade, building bridges (and community), the power of optimism, great design, and the wonderful combination of creativity and stupidity that one must surely possess in order to embark upon any world-changing endeavour. Wendy Kerr, angel investor, C-suite whisperer, in-demand speaker, best-selling author, strategist and FemTech ally, and Icehouse Ventures incubator, has seen it all. Chewed it up. And spat most of it out.   So how did it go? We saw innovations in EdTech, MedTech, more sustainable packing design, gaming at the intersection of fitness, AI-powered apps and services, an intelligent shoe that understands your rheumatic pain, and more. (I took the tough decision not to show the work, lest the students pursue their own IP.)   And the Sharks' reaction? Did they smell the fear? Were they tempted by the fresh meat on offer? Simon: “…it was a pleasure to be able to review the work shared by these budding Creative Entrepreneurs. The standard of ideas that were commercially viable was surprisingly high given the short length of time they’d had to develop. Even more impressive was the common thread of social entrepreneurship running through all the concepts.”   Wendy, on how the business ideas/solutions presented struck a chord: “The way the students have been able to parlay the personal into business opportunities is enviable.”   And on the way the student’s received feedback, took it onboard, and built better because of it: “…Watching all of you being coachable, and being able to learn in the moment…was remarkable.” Now, to the patent office! Kate Humphries Sarah Elsie Baker Media Design School Matthew Stevens Darryn Melrose Scott Thompson-Whiteside #creativity #tech

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How can cultural coding unlock growth in multicultural audiences? Simon Edwards, President at The Research Society, talks about CulturalPulse’s AI-powered tool AskGenie and how cultural data drives marketing outcomes. We leverage AskGenie to provide deep insights and strategies tailored to diverse cultural contexts. Led by CulturalPulse CEO Reg Raghavan, we're pioneering multicultural marketing with AskGenie’s encrypted data analysis, which uncovers community behaviours and preferences. “I suggest that cultural background is a missing link in understanding consumer behaviour, and we need to start measuring and understanding these cultural factors if we wish to be more customer centric.” says Simon. The article by Greenbook highlights the potential of using cultural coding to unlock growth within multicultural audiences, showcasing our work and the innovative AskGenie tech. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gSyGDZ54 Read the full GreenBook article here: https://lnkd.in/gbf7yu-2

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📣🚀Launched today, The Australian Internet Observatory (AIO) is new #ResearchInfrastructure that will open up the 'black box' of digital platforms and their algorithms for researchers. It's part of the ARDC HASS Indigenous Research Data Commons. Digital platforms play a critical role in Australia’s economy and society, yet our capacities to collect and analyse data from digital platforms and observe their activities is very limited. The Australian Internet Observatory will develop the tools and capabilities required to gather and analyse online user experience data, algorithms, and interactions. It will support innovative approaches to the collection and analysis of digital social data and internet platforms and the analytical tools and governance required to support cutting-edge research on social, economic, health and environmental issues. Distinguished Professor Julian Thomas, AIO Program Lead and Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society said, “With the support of the Australian Research Data Commons, the Australian Internet Observatory brings together a group of researchers and universities with the capabilities to assemble the necessary techniques and systems. It’s not a problem that can be solved within any one discipline or research centre. It requires a collaborative, co-operative effort.” Jenny Fewster, Director, ARDC HASS and Indigenous Research Data Commons said, “The Australian Internet Observatory is building on a strong foundation of digital research infrastructure to establish a national, joined-up ecosystem that will enable exciting research. It is a vital new part of the suite of research-accelerating national infrastructure within the HASS and Indigenous Research Data Commons.” 🔗Read more: https://lnkd.in/g2XtGUuJ 📖 #NCRISimpact Project partners: RMIT University  ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society  QUT (Queensland University of Technology) University of Melbourne  UQ Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child  Deakin University DeakinREDI  Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation  Swinburne University of Technology and the ARDC #HASS #HASSresearch #infrastructure

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🚀 Kete AI: A kete (basket/kit) of resources all about AI, with a focus on Māori and Indigenous communities. “What is the purpose of this Kete? - To provide a trusted source of credible & freely accessible information and resources about AI. - To help educate and inform our communities.” Curated by: Dr Karaitiana Taiuru JP, MInstD and Lee Timutimu 🤖⭐️ #aotearoa #ai

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The Community Affairs Legislation Committee has just published the joint submission I have co-authored with my friend and NDIA co-design colleague, Uli Cartwright, on the NDIS Bill. Our submission addresses: - The lack of co-design for major changes to the primary legislation according to Article 4(3) of the UNCRPD - Destruction of the golden thread between funding, goals and aspirations for a life worth living on an equal basis with others - Parallels with Robodebt culture in the participant experience and the further risks this Bill imposes - Legislating NDIA accountability to participants - Legislating NDIA, DSS and Government accountability in co-design - Our vision for the co-design commitment we need This submission was made independently of our roles as NDIA Participant Reference Group members. However, in light of the following statement published on the DSS website last night regarding NDIA co-design, we wish to set the record straight: “Since the Government introduced proposed changes to the NDIS Act, the NDIA has been working closely with Disability Representative and Carer Organisations (DRCOs), our Independent Advisory Council (IAC) and Participant Reference Group (PRG) to improve their approach and confirm the next set of priority topics for co-design.” We do not know who drafted this FAQ, but we do not believe “working closely” with the PRG is a fair or accurate representation of a one hour briefing the day after the Bill was tabled, a two hour Q&A for us to give our feedback on the proposed legislative changes, and a two hour meeting on the NDIA’s already-formed, already-drafted co-design approach and proposed topics. At this meeting, we asked the NDIA to ask us what we can contribute and how much work we can take on, not to assume we are not up to the task. We go much further in our submission: We ask the Government, DSS and the NDIA to “assume that we can” contribute much more, and to invite people with disability to lead these reforms, including drafting of amendments (or indeed, re-drafting) of this Bill.

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📣 Submissions are now open for project proposals from not-for-profit, community organisations and social enterprises to partner with UTS Shopfront in Semester 1 2025. ⚙ How it works We partner community organisations with skilled student teams from specific faculties working in-semester. Teams are supported by industry experts and provide pro-bono deliverables on a wide variety of project types from business strategies to research. 📅 Timelines The project submissions are open now until early January, or until all spots are filled. Successful projects takes place between March to June 2025 for Semester 1. Deliverables handed over to clients June to July 2025. We're looking for projects in the following areas: 🔍 Evaluation Social Impact reports: Organisational Data analysis, Evaluation frameworks including Theory of Change and/or Program Logic, recommendations 📈 Business reports: recommendations for diversifying revenue streams and strategic alliances, brand awareness, fundraising strategies, or stakeholder management 📊 Customer market analysis reports: new target market recommendations, competitor analysis, marketing activities, budgeting for marketing activities 📝 Research reports: Examples include broad sector research or organisation specific research, literature reviews citing existing evidence, recommendations and more Have a question or need help shaping your idea? Email [email protected] Submit now 🔗 https://lnkd.in/g64RfT3c Collaborations with UTS Business School UTS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS)

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Is spatial computing the next big thing? Jessy Wu, a Partner at AfterWork Ventures, thinks so. 🚀 Jessy sat down with 🙌 Garry Williams Williams and shared her excitement about the potential of spatial computing to revolutionise how we interact with the digital world. She said, 'I’ve spoken about my excitement in spatial computing on panels and posted about it. This creates excellent conversations with founders, who become excited that they don’t have to build my conviction in the space from scratch so that we can enter a deeper conversation about the future.' Read more 👉 https://lnkd.in/g6eTjJg5

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What's the secret to making New Zealand's mission-oriented research more impactful and relevant to community needs? The answer lies in collaboration and inclusivity – an approach that can be met by embedding Māori values in research design. An independent review of by NZ Institute of Economic Research analysed the 8 years of our research. The review offers five lessons for the future of science and science funding in Aotearoa: 1. Empower collaboration: Strong, interdisciplinary networks with varied perspectives enrich the research, are better connected with communities, and offer long-term benefits outside the project. 2. Be flexible: Allow researchers to adapt their projects in response to community feedback and evolving needs. 3. Develop new metrics for success: Traditional metrics such as peer-reviewed publications don’t capture all the value. We need new measures of research success built into research designs. Fund for the cost of trust-building: Allow for the significant time and resources required to build networks and trust in research budgets. Independent researchers add value: Independent researchers providing critical insights and maintaining the integrity of mission-oriented research. Read the full in-depth analysis at: https://lnkd.in/gZyr55re

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UPDATED: Meta's Fact-Checking Changes - A Deeper Analysis When I posted my initial thoughts on Meta's announcement about ending third-party fact-checking, I knew it was just scratching the surface. In the last 24 hours, we've seen some remarkable insights emerge about what these changes really mean. I've substantially updated my analysis to include: Detailed examination of how professional fact-checking actually works (and what we'll lose) Early evidence from X's Community Notes system Meta's concerning parallel changes to hate speech policies Historical context about Meta's pattern of avoiding platform responsibility The story has evolved from being just about fact-checking to revealing a broader shift in how Meta approaches its responsibilities to users and society. Read the updated analysis here: https://lnkd.in/ga8Bn8W2 Thanks to all the researchers, activists, journalists, and fact-checkers who've helped shed light on these developments. Their quick response shows just how significant these changes could be. #SocialMedia #DigitalPlatforms #ContentModeration #TechPolicy #Meta

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What can you do in the next couple of months to reach your funding goals by December 31 ? Here are 4 Quick Year-End Fundraising Tips from our founders Lillian Archer and Alana Zavett Green   1️⃣ Reach Out to Lapsed Donors Identify donors who haven’t given this year or are behind. Follow up with a quick update or a thank-you! 2️⃣ Check Daily Gift Reports Stay updated on incoming gifts and thank donors promptly. Timely recognition = strong relationships! 3️⃣ Touch Base with Last December Donors A simple call or holiday message keeps donors engaged. Reminder: stock/DAF gifts need to be in by Dec. 29! 4️⃣ Stick to Your Plan December’s busy, but stay focused and follow through on your planned touchpoints. Accountability matters! Let’s close the year strong! 💪 #FundraisingTips #DonorRelations #YearEndGiving

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We were fascinated to read the Community Compass research report last week, looking at Australia's views and engagement with the community sector - and to see that social enterprise was named in there! Specifically, 38% of Australians surveyed believe that social enterprises are part of the community sector. We know that they are - and that they're a part of many other sectors too. There are some great insights in this report for anyone working to help make our communities fairer, kinder and more resilient. Here are just a few of the reflections from page 14: THE GOOD NEWS ● Australians value the community sector and believe that community organisations fill critical gaps and make the world a better place. ● There is broad support for more government funding for the sector and recognition that increased funding leads to greater impact. ● Most Australians feel the community sector is important for people like them and are happy to contribute even if they don’t directly benefit. ● Australians are engaging with the community sector in a variety of ways, and many are open to getting more involved. CONCERNS ● Many Australians face barriers to contributing, particularly a lack of time and energy. Others are not aware of local organisations or lack the confidence to get involved. ● General disengagement and pessimism about the direction society is heading is shaping attitudes and level of engagement with the community sector. ● Australians are not on the same page about the community sector speaking out on social and political issues. Depending on their values, Australians either strongly support community organisations speaking out or think these organisations should stay out of politics. ● Perceptions of inequality and beliefs about who is deserving of support vary considerably and are shaped by deeply held values. Thank you for the insights, Institute of Community Directors Australia and 89 Degrees East Full report available at https://lnkd.in/gxG-XXaR

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A new RMIT & Deloitte report reveals that 78% of employers are in the dark about or neglecting generative AI training. Yet, by 2030, the demand for high-performance computing skills will skyrocket by 268%. Even if your employer hasn't caught on, now's the time to level up your expertise. Google's offering 10 free AI courses, accessible to all, to keep you ahead of the curve. Dive into our latest blog for details. #AItraining

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Nadia Pantidi, Associate Dean, Research, at the Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation is applying Work-integrated learning (WIL) to her teaching. "First, we focus on discipline-specific skills, like using industry-standard software and understanding relevant theories. "Second, we develop transferable, career-oriented skills like teamwork, presentations, and career planning. This can be delivered through short reflection exercises, or career-focused workshops that help students build their CVs and portfolios. We typically work with the Careers team at Te Herenga Waka or bring industry professionals to talk to students and give them feedback on their work. "Third, we run sessions on professional branding—often led by our Careers team—to help students present themselves well on platforms like LinkedIn." Read more to find out about her approach to WIL and the opportunities she sees across the University: https://brnw.ch/21wOpls #Wgtnfadi #WIL #DesignInnovation

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📣 If you haven’t already heard, applications are now open for [Re]Launch - Victoria’s first Circular Incubator Program! Presented by RMIT Activator and supported by LaunchVic, this initiative is designed to help you turn your startup idea into a viable business model with a Circular focus that minimises waste and promotes sustainability in just four transformative weeks. Here’s what to expect: 📌 Valued Program: Benefit from an in-person program worth approximately $1,700 at no cost to you, and designed to equip you with the resources and support you need to succeed. 📌 Prizes to be Won: Compete for an exciting range of prizes that can help elevate your startup, totalling up to $1,500 in value! 📌 Pathway into [Re]Launch Pre-Accelerator: The Incubator program also serves as a gateway into the Pre-Accelerator program, where startups have the chance to secure up to $20,000 in equity-free seed funding. 📌 A Pioneering Cohort: Connect with like-minded innovators, leading experts in the Circular design sector (Boomerang Labs | Australia , Anvarta, and Lifecycles). Join a community dedicated to sustainable solutions, leveraging powerful networks to amplify your business ideas. 📌 Tailored Learning: Receive expert guidance on problem-solution fit, Circular business model development, and exploring Circular Tech possibilities- preparing you for the next stage in your startup journey. This is your moment to join the Circular economy. Don’t miss this opportunity! 🌟 👉 [Re]Launch’s Incubator program is free and open to anyone based in Victoria. Applications close Sunday, 27th October 2024 at 11:59pm. Apply now – htps://bit.ly/3TNOU2X or see our website for more details – https://bit.ly/47mqD9R RMIT University | #CircularEconomy #TechInnovation #CircularSolutions #Incubator #Sustainability #Victoria #Startup

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Kia ora LinkedIn! 🌏 Over the past month, I've been deeply engaged in a range of conversations and collaborations exploring fresh approaches to working together on interdisciplinary projects. Here are a few key themes we've been unpacking: Reflective Practice Through AI 🤖: I’m fascinated by the potential of AI to deepen reflective practice, not just as a learning tool but as a means to unlock new insights and enhance self-awareness. This has led to inspiring discussions around how AI could support professionals, especially in vocational education sectors, in reflecting on and evolving their work. Design Thinking and Systems Approaches 🔄: Design thinking and systems thinking remain central in our projects. These frameworks allow us to explore complex, interconnected issues with a focus on sustainable, regenerative solutions. I'm particularly interested in how these approaches can be applied to leadership and professional development, creating spaces where both individuals and organizations can thrive. Leveraging Technology for Precision Feedback 🎯: Another focus has been developing tools for highly tailored feedback. One project involves creating an app to provide rugby referees with targeted, real-time insights on their performance. This precision feedback model is one I believe could have applications across other fields where nuanced, individualized improvement is crucial. Activity-Based Learning and Development 🏆: In my coaching work, I've been developing practical, activity-based programs aimed at professionals across different levels of expertise. The goal is to create active, hands-on learning environments that adapt to both emerging and experienced professionals' needs. These experiences have reinforced the importance of engaging with collaborators who are open to innovative methodologies, value interdisciplinary insights, and prioritize personal and organizational growth. Oh, my primary collaborators have been be AI. #AIcollaboration #ReflectivePractice #InterdisciplinaryResearch #InnovationInEducation #DigitalTransformation

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New research from us on scaling up climate technology. A great example of the industry-academic research we are doing at UTS Transdisciplinary School. In collaboration with Greenhouse and Made for Scale, we unpack the barriers faced by climate hard-tech companies, including longer times to scale, higher capital requirements, and greater market risk compared to their software counterparts. Led by Claire Mula with a great team including Lauren Seeto, Luke Anderson, Harry Guinness and Uzair Saadat, we draw on qualitative interviews with Australian founders and global frameworks. We identify five key stages - referred to as ‘valleys of death’ – where Australian climate tech startups struggle to scale. Our report offers recommendations for investors, policymakers and support organisations on how to support scale-ups to overcome these challenges. https://lnkd.in/g-9tpHMv University of Technology Sydney, UTS Innovation and Enterprise Collaborative, UTS Transdisciplinary School

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Applications are now open for [Re]Launch - Victoria’s first Circular Incubator Program! Presented by RMIT Activator and supported by LaunchVic, this FREE program is designed to help you turn your startup idea into a viable business model with a Circular focus that minimises waste and promotes sustainability in just four transformative weeks. Here’s what to expect: Valued Program: Benefit from an in-person program worth approximately $1,700 at no cost to you, and designed to equip you with the resources and support you need to succeed. Prizes to be Won: Compete for an exciting range of prizes that can help elevate your startup, totaling up to $1,500 in value! Pathway into [Re]Launch Pre-Accelerator: The Incubator program also serves as a gateway into the Pre-Accelerator program, where startups have the chance to secure up to $15,000 in equity-free seed funding. A Pioneering Cohort: Connect with like-minded innovators, leading experts in the Circular design sector (Boomerang Labs | Australia , Anvarta, and Lifecycles). Join a community dedicated to sustainable solutions, leveraging powerful networks to amplify your business ideas. Tailored Learning: Receive expert guidance on problem-solution fit, Circular business model development, and exploring Circular Tech possibilities- preparing you for the next stage in your startup journey. What are you waiting for? Transform your idea into a Circular Tech solution. Don’t miss this chance to make an impact! Applications close Sunday, 27th October 2024 at 11:59 PM.  APPLY NOW: https://bit.ly/4eHTzvi Or visit the website for more details: https://lnkd.in/gMD4pVhR   #CircularEconomy #TechInnovation #CircularTech #Incubator #Sustainability #Victoria #Startup

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From hand washing signs to case number graphs, health information is often visual. How accessible is it to people with vision impairment? John Paul Cruz is researching the accessibility of Australian digital health platforms, supported by a Social Equity in Engineering and Information Technology PhD Scholarship, an initiative of Melbourne Social Equity Institute and the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology.

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Fantastic new research from John Paul Cruz on the accessibility of Australian digital health platforms. Read more from our friends at the Melbourne Social Equity Institute. Kirsten Deane Vision Australia Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology

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