IC08 will be held 7th - 11th July 2008.   Applications are now closed. Check out details from the 2008 Convention below.

What is the Invention Convention?

The Questacon Smart Moves Invention Convention (QSMIC) is an exciting five day program that provides 30 Australian high school students with the opportunity to turn their inspired ideas into reality.

Funded by an Australian Government Initiative, the residential convention is packed with workshops and activities covering topics such as marketing, resources, business planning, intellectual property and sustainability. The QSMIC aims to provide delegates with the knowledge and skills to commercialise their innovative product or service.

Delegates spend a day with successful Australian inventors and entrepreneurs who share their real-life experiences of what it takes to develop an idea from concept to the market place.

It's not all hard work though! Delegates visit major Canberra attractions in the evening such as Questacon and the CSIRO Discovery Centre. At the end of the week a gala dinner is held to recognise the contribution of mentors and the participation of delegates during the convention. Special guests involved in previous conventions include James O'Loughlin and James Bradfield Moody from ABC TV's New Inventors.

The 2008 QSMIC will be held in Canberra.

What's it all about?

The Questacon Smart Moves Invention Convention is a great opportunity for innovative young Australians to meet other like-minded people from around the country. The convention is a full-on program that provides delegates with the knowledge and skills they need to develop their idea further. There are heaps of opportunities to form networks, get advice and find out inside knowledge on how to develop your product. The convention is not about building a working prototype of your idea. However, we will help develop the skills you need to build one yourself later.

Topics to be covered at the 2008 Invention Convention include:

• Marketing yourself and your idea
• Business development and planning
• Locating and sourcing resources
• Your idea and the world
• Intellectual property issues

What delegates have said about the Invention Convention:

• "We've all learnt so much at the IC. There are people here from all over Australia and we never would have had to opportunity to do it had it not been for the support of these people. Who knows, in this room we may have the next Einstein or Nikola Tesla. The Questacon Smart Moves Invention Convention has really shown us the way from ideas to enterprise."
• "Now I can expand on my idea and I know how to market that idea. As well I can now make a prototype because I have found out some info on how to build it. I also got many useful contacts."
• "(I) improved my personal and social skills, learnt some of the fundamental skills in marketing, how to seek help for my idea and had fun."

Information for parents and teachers

The QSMIC allows delegates to develop not only their ideas, but their personal skills. Emphasis is placed on not just the nuts and bolts required for constructing the invention, but the delegates' own inventory of personal skills and the skills of those around them.

Each day is facilitated by a different presenter who provides information and activities based on the theme of the day. In addition, delegates receive a comprehensive workbook to use during the convention and refer to later at home. The workbook includes worksheets to use during the day along with reference information on patents, business planning, budgeting, and marketing.

Duty of care

• Delegates are flown from their nearest major airport to Canberra. Parents of minors have the option of their children travelling as unaccompanied minors to ease the process of air travel and changing flights.
• Delegates are provided with separate lockable rooms containing ensuite bathrooms. Questacon staff provide 24 hour supervision of all delegates and are available to provide assistance as required. Each evening the night supervisor checks that students are in their rooms and that lights are out at the designated time.

Who else is involved?

Invention Assistants (IA) - are delegates from previous years who return to act as peer group leaders for five to six assigned delegates. IA's help new delegates settle into their unfamiliar surroundings and guide them through the activities of each day. IA's remember what it was like to travel a long way from home to arrive in a room full of strangers and they will help make your convention as enjoyable as possible.

Mentors - each year 10 Australian inventors are invited to participate in the Invention Convention. These mentors share their story of how they got to where they are today and tips for success! Along with sharing their business experiences, mentors aim to assist you with the development of your ideas and inspire you to go ahead with them. Mentors spend time working with groups of 2 or 3 delegates to discuss how each one can further develop their ideas

Questacon Smart Moves team - presenters from the Questacon Smart Moves program assist with a variety of activities during the convention.

Invention Convention team - the people behind ensuring that the convention runs smoothly!! Team members are on site each day and stay at the venue overnight.

Who can apply?

If you are an Australian school student aged between 14 and 18 years in 2008 and have an idea with potential for development in research and/or commercialisation, you're eligible to apply for selection to attend the QSMIC.

How do I apply?

Fill out and submit an application form with as much information about your idea as possible.

You can also apply using a hard copy application form, available by contacting: iconvention@questacon.edu.au

If your application meets the initial selection criteria, you will be invited to submit a second round application. This second application allows you to expand on your idea and include designs, plans or pictures of your invention.

Your application will be assessed by the selection panel against the following things:

• Does it solve a real problem?
• Is the customer clearly identified?
• Are the benefits to the customer clearly explained?
• Has the applicant thought about what they would need to construct their idea and where would they get those things from?
• To what degree is the idea original and/or innovative?
• Are similar products or services recognised?
• How much effort has been put into designing the idea?
• To what extent are the steps in design and production process recognised?
• Personal expression - creativity, enthusiasm etc.
• Does the idea meet the values of the IC?

How to increase your chances of selection:

• Make sure you complete a second round application and include as much information on your idea as possible.
• Consider local, national or international issues when developing your idea.
• Research the science, engineering or technology behind your product or service (start by asking your teachers!)
• Show us your individual style! Impress us with your ideas, enthusiasm and innovative thinking.
• Make sure you address the criteria that your entry will be judged against.

Applications close 20th May 2008.

FAQs

What costs are involved?

The Invention Convention is an all-expenses paid trip to Canberra. This covers transport to and from Canberra, accommodation and all meals during the convention. If selected, delegates will only need a small amount of money to spend while visiting Canberra attractions.

What do I bring with me?

If you have a plan or a prototype of your invention, bring it with you! If you are selected a full list of required items will be sent prior to the convention.

What's the weather like in Canberra?

During winter it can be very cold! Winter days are mostly sunny and cool with an average temperature of 12°C. However it could also rain or snow, so be prepared for any kind of weather. Overnight, the temperature can drop to below zero resulting in heavy frosts and very cold starts to the day. As delegates will be participating in evening activities off-site warm clothing is essential.

Will my idea be safe?

Questacon respects the intellectual property rights of your idea and won't pass it onto anyone else. All supervisors, speakers and mentors sign confidentiality agreements before attending the invention convention.

Is there any free time?

Not really - there is little free time in the convention programme. During the day, delegates attend workshops and in evening participate in supervised activities including visits to Canberra attractions. The only free time delegates have is approximately an hour after workshops finish each day.

Can I visit friends or family while in Canberra?

As there is little free time during the convention, delegates are expected to remain in the supervision of Questacon staff at all times. If required, visiting friends or family can be arranged prior to, or after the convention.

I live in or close to Canberra, can I travel to the convention each day?

As the Invention Convention is a residential program, all delegates are required to stay at the selected accommodation venue.

Contacts

Our conference coordinator is Frances. You can contact her by email: iconvention@questacon.edu.au.

Application forms for IC08 have been sent to all Australian secondary schools - ask your head science teacher if they've received one, or see if we are touring in your area and ask one of our Smart Moves presenters for a form. Or send us an email and we will post one to you.

Applications close 20th May 2008.
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Email: iconvention@questacon.edu.au
Freefax: 1800 641 171

Mail: Questacon Smart Moves Invention Convention

Location Code 940
PO Box 5322
Kingston ACT 2604

• The final delegate presentations demonstrated an increase of enthusiasm and awareness.
• The delegates formed close relationships and have started to network of their own accord.
• Many entrepreneur mentors remain keen to participate in future Invention Conventions.
• Interdepartmental relations and external partnerships were further strengthened.
• Delegates were highly appreciative and inspired to pursue their ideas.
• Producers from The New Inventors were excited by the range of young inventors and have featured one of our delegates on the show.

The New Inventors (ABC TV)

Questacon Smart Moves works closely with the team at The New Inventors because we're both excited about helping you bring your ideas into reality. When you've got a new invention and a you want to let people know about The New Inventors can help you!

Hosted by James O'Loghlin, The New Inventors is looking for inventions and innovation in all fields, from domestic appliances through to products for the workplace, from building to leisure, rural and urban based ideas.

If you fit this criteria and would relish the chance to enter your invention into this competition please complete the application form on The New Inventors' website and send it to them by email or fax 02 8333 2651.