Question Title

Image
The future is in your hands! Innovation thrives when our community gets behind it.

Discover the 10 inspiring finalist projects and cast your vote for the one you believe will make the greatest impact on the Gold Coast - help decide this year’s People’s Choice winner.
Your Details

Question Title

* Full name

Question Title

* Email

Question Title

* Postcode

Finalists
Explore the 10 Finalists' projects then cast your vote for People's Choice Awards at the end in the Make Your Vote section.
You will be required to rank all 10 teams in order of your favourite to least favourite.
ECHOPODS - Upper Coomera State College
Mia Arnold & Deemah Shedeed



ECHOPODS is a compact, AI-powered sensor device developed by students from Upper Coomera State College. It uses echolocation to monitor water usage and detect leaks in public spaces like restrooms and beach showers. Easily installed on any surface, it sends real-time alerts to supervisors or apps, helping reduce waste. Unlike large-scale systems, ECHOPODS targets high-traffic areas with unpredictable usage. It supports Gold Coast’s sustainability goals by conserving water, improving infrastructure, and enhancing tourism. The device promotes ecological awareness, aligns with city themes of Place and Prosperity, and benefits locals, tourists, and councils through smarter water management and environmental stewardship.
FallCast - Robina State High School
Ori Rotem, Byron Ruedigar & Thomas Eakin



Earlier this year, our city was rocked by the path of Cyclone Alfred, causing millions in damage and leaving residents powerless. We know cyclones will continue moving further south due to climate change, and we must prepare our city for extreme weather. That’s why we, a team from Robina State High School, created FallCast; a product deigned to protect those who need it most. Using sensor data, our technology calculates the probability of a tree falling in upcoming weather, enabling residents to take preventative action. We’ll reduce the impact of fallen trees on homes and powerlines, keeping our city connected.
FLOOD-Mesh: Flood-Level Observation & Off-grid Data Mesh - Emmanuel College
Jack Benson, Luke Janssen & Oliver Pearson



During Cyclone Alfred, we saw how floods quickly cut off roads and trapped communities. Our idea, FLOOD-Mesh (Flood-Level Observation & Off-grid Data Mesh), is a decentralised network of low-cost, solar-powered sensors that send real-time flood and water height data across the Gold Coast. Using radio mesh networking, the system operates independently of cell towers and the power grid. The data is then used to create a live map of road conditions, allowing ambulance, fire, and other emergency services to instantly see which routes are open and the fastest way to reach people. FLOOD-Mesh will support first responders and speed recovery during disasters.
OceanEye - Merrimac State High School
Indi-anna Peach & Annabelle Sullivan



OceanEye is an innovative network of AI-powered, eco-friendly smart buoys designed to protect the Gold Coast’s most valuable asset — the ocean. Made from recycled plastic and powered by solar energy, these buoys collect live data on water quality, pollution levels, marine life activity, and hidden threats like algal blooms or jellyfish swarms. The information is instantly shared with the public through beachside screens and a mobile app, making marine science visible and accessible. OceanEye empowers locals, tourists, and scientists to take early action, fostering stronger community care and preserving a healthy, sustainable future for our coastline.
Project Apollo - Driver Alert Detection - Assisi Catholic College
Chase Austin, Jett Austin & Indyanah Austin



Project Apollo is a portable, AI-powered Driver Attention Detection system that brings life-saving safety technology—once exclusive to high-end vehicles—to all drivers. Using a motherboard, power supply, and two smart cameras (internal and external), Apollo monitors driver awareness, detecting early signs of fatigue, distraction, intoxication, or medical episodes. When risks are identified, it warns the driver or assumes vehicle control to prevent accidents. In the event of a crash, Apollo automatically alerts emergency services and nearby devices. Compact and affordable, Apollo protects all load users—especially elderly and vulnerable drivers—offering communities a practical, accessible pathway to safer roads.
QuitCloud - Helensvale State High School
Henry Foulkes & James Harle



QuitCloud - is an innovative health initiative developed by students at Helensvale State High School. It is a mobile application designed to support young adults and their families in overcoming nicotine addiction and quitting vaping. The app tracks vape usage, provides personalised feedback and offers strategies to reduce dependency. Alongside the app, a small device attaches to the vape to monitor inhalation and gradually restrict usage, making the quitting process easier and more manageable. QuitCloud combines technology with health education to empower individuals to make positive lifestyle changes and build a healthier future.
SafeLink - Queensland Academies for Health Sciences
Johanna Lee & Bhavya Zala



SafeLink is an innovative mobile app designed to make urban travel safe and reliable anytime, anywhere. It addresses the Gold Coast community’s concern of feeling unsafe when travelling late at night or in isolated areas. Unlike existing apps, SafeLink bridges the gap between transport and safety by merging predictive route planning, real-time monitoring, and emergency quick-connect features. Powered by AI, community reports, and dynamic safety scoring, the app not only guides users but also actively protects them. With SafeLink, our mission is to empower every traveller with confidence, security, and peace of mind on their journey.
SunPost - A.B Paterson College
Laiyang Song, Ruixuan Que & Kirill Piatin



SunPost is a sustainable, solar-powered streetlight designed to connect people, events, and places through an interactive screen. By integrating QR codes and digital displays for accessibility and clarity, SunPost provides locals and tourists with instant access to event information, cultural stories, and parkland highlights. As an example, SunPost in Surfers Paradise could showcase upcoming events while sharing the area’s history. With open-ended potential, SunPost can expand to include features like charging ports, water bubblers, translations, maps, weather updates, or local art. It serves as both an information station and a cultural landmark, enhancing community engagement, whilst ensuring sustainably.
Synedra - Somerset College
Evie Wilson & Emma Mollard



Synedra is more than an app — it is your personal path to better sleep and better living. By combining smart devices with adaptive sound therapy, Synedra helps you drift off naturally, sleep more deeply, and wake feeling restored. With clear, actionable insights, it makes understanding your sleep simple, while an AI-powered coach guides you toward healthier routines. Customised music, environmental awareness, and gentle motivation turn better sleep into a sustainable habit. Through gamified goals and ongoing support, Synedra transforms nightly rest into a powerful foundation for energy, focus, and wellbeing throughout your day.
Yummy - A.B. Paterson College
Peter Zhu & Mimi Shen



Every year on the Gold Coast, 39,000 tonnes of food is wasted, driving climate change and foodborne illnesses. We are Mimi and Peter from A.B. Paterson College, and that’s why we created yummy: a compact, reusable smart tag that monitors freshness using gas, temperature, and humidity sensors, plus a colour-changing display and smartphone alerts about early spoilage, so you don't have to worry about your food spoiling! Unlike limited fridge sensors or single-use gels, yummy adapts industrial tech into an affordable, eco-friendly device. With yummy, save money, cut waste and eat safely - for your health, and for our planet.
Make Your Vote

Question Title

* Please rank the nominated teams based on their ideas (top being your favourite and last being your least favourite)

T