illuminate National Finals Day | February 2026

ONLY OPEN TO INVITED SCHOOLS / TEAMS.

We’re excited to once again be bringing back our illuminate Finals Day, bringing together the top performing teams from all across Australia to compete in a rapid challenge experience simultaneously, in the running to be announced our national champion!

Learn More

Introducing the illuminate National Finals Day

The illuminate Education Australia National Finals Day is an intensive four-hour challenge delivered on one day. It takes all you have learnt and perfected during the illuminate Challenge and puts it to the ultimate test, solving Australia’s biggest challenges in one action packed speed challenge day – and you get to do it alongside teams from across Australia who have performed well in their local challenge, inspired by our best speakers and judges to be announced as the illuminate Education Australia National Champion for 2025!

The illuminate Education Australia National Finals Day is an opportunity for the best performing teams to go further in their experience, grow new skills and challenge themselves against fellow teams from across Australia to be crowned our National 2024 Champions! (And we host the challenge in February 2025 to allow every single team from 2024 to participate). Finals Day 2024 will be held on the 19th of February 2025.

Session Times
As illuminate Education Australia delivers programs in schools and communities all across Australia, we have designed a schedule that accommodates students to participate digitally from their location simultaneously;

ACT, NSW, Tas & Vic (AEDST): 11:30 am until 3:15 pm, with the awards broadcast live online from 6:00 pm
Qld (AEST): 10:30 am until 2:15 pm, with the awards broadcast live online from 5:00 pm
SA (ACDST): 11:00 am until 2:45 pm, with the awards broadcast live online from 5:30 pm
WA (AWST): 8:30 am until 12:15 pm, with the awards broadcast live online from 3:00 pm

Across the National Finals Day, students complete a range of short exercises, with each task unlocking the next element that moves students towards completing the final pitch presentation. It is important to note that the students, while developing an idea like what they do during the illuminate Challenge experience, will step through a range of tasks and experiences that add onto the experience – looking deeper at team dynamics, problem framing, the ideation process and more – so it is also adding skills in the innovation space for these students.

The Important Details

When:	February 2026
Where:	Hosted Online
Who:	Only open to teams that have been invited to participate.
Cost:	FREE!

Click Here to Register Your Interest

What Others Say…

FROM COMMUNITY PARTNERS & COLLABORATORS

“So glad to see illuminate Education Australia in action in the City of Wyndham, helping students understand the skills they possess and which will be invaluable to their future careers. Such a well delivered program, bringing together representatives from across industries to provide real-world advice and guidance to young learners. Already looking forward to being involved again in the future.”

John King, Head of Education and Careers, The Huddle Wyndham

“A student knocked on my door the day after the illuminate Challenge and explained how it was the best week of her school life and can she do it again!”

Stacey Exner, Executive Principal, Dubbo College, NSW

“Even our staff who participate have said that the illuminate Challenge has literally been one of their career highlights.”

Alex Kho, Faculty of Business and Law, Deakin University

“The illuminate challenge was, as described by one of our students at our school's end of year awards ceremony, a life changing experience for our Year 10 students... The week created such a positive vibe amongst those doing the challenge and indeed, throughout the entire school, and students from all years seemed to be taking an active interest... I really do believe that this challenge, and the skills that were developed by students, will have a lasting impact on them.”

Dale Massie, HSIE Teacher, Terrigal High School, NSW

"Technical capabilities are the necessary, but not sufficient attributes for people hired into my organisation. The best candidates complement their technical capability with emotional intelligence along with the skills taught by illuminate Education. Creativity, a willingness to collaborate, natural curiosity and the ability to contribute to effective teamwork are key characteristics of tomorrow's high performing leaders"

Mike Faulkner, Managing Director (AU & NZ), Verizon Enterprise Solutions

“There is no finer task than to encourage and support our youth in their journey of learning. Having experienced first-hand the illuminate Education experience myself in a supporting role at Charles Sturt University, I was inspired by the energy that the young participants had in the skills of problem solving, vision creation and entrepreneurial strategies. Programs such as illuminate no doubt are an excellent tool as part of the preparation for life after school. I would encourage students and teachers to explore the opportunities that the illuminate Education program offers.”

Peta Pinson, Mayor, Port Macquarie Hasting Council

“In this rapidly changing world with the rise of emerging economies and onset of digital disruption, programs like the illuminate Challenge are absolutely critical to regional communities. Rather than seeing change as a threat, illuminate Education opens the eyes of our young people to the opportunities that change presents.”

Tim Watson, General Manager, Dorset Council

“The illuminate Challenge pushes students to extend themselves in a positive, supportive setting. It helps student to develop the real-world skills necessary for any workplace, and exposes them to study and career options. The program helps students to unlock their full potential and discover their future.”

Brendan Taig, Careers Practitioner, Suzanne Cory High School, Werribee, Victoria

“The Illuminate program was astonishing. I truly didn’t expect the quality of ideas and presentations that the students delivered. It was clear to me that Illuminate are building capability, and improving the confidence and career prospects of these students.”

Ellen Piper, People, Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation

"It was fantastic to see their ideas come to life on posters, prototypes, and in persuasive presentations that showcased their creativity, critical thinking, and entrepreneurial mindset. This experience not only built STEM capabilities but also empowered students with transferable skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—skills they will carry into their future learning and pathways..."

Dr Lucy Cassar, STAV Vice President & Head of Teaching & Learning, St Francis Catholic College Melton

FROM THE STUDENTS THEMSELVES

“It is challenging in a good way…”

Lara, Year 6, ACT

“The most fun and educational experience that I have ever had… I learnt so many important skills that I will use.”

Max, Year 10, ACT

“The program is a good idea, it helps kids change where they’re living for the better.”

Katie, Year 6, Tas.

“A fun, entrepreneurial program teaching real world skills.”

Kaila, Year 10, SA

“It’s perfect for learning to work in a team! And at the end, you are really proud of yourself!”

Tom, Year 10, NSW

“I would say it’s a unique experience that makes you think beyond a level you have before.”

Amyra, Year 8, Vic.

“Ultimately, it is one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.”

Gianna, Year 10, Vic.

“It’s fantastic and really interesting.”

Sharafadiin, Adult Student, Vic.

“A great experience many young people should go through.”

Charlotte, Year 9, NSW

“It’s hard but worth doing, and you learn a lot of skills.”

Isabella, Year 8, WA

“It is a chance to discover our personal skills and discover what skills we will need for the future and think like adults.”

Senaya, Year 8, Vic.

“Giving younger people a voice.”

Elka, Year 6, Tas.

“It’s an excellent experience… Many valuable lessons & transferable skills such as teamwork & communication.”

Simran, Year 9, SA

“Teaches young students the knowledge they need in pressure situations & how to solve problems sustainably.”

Ruby, Year 8, WA

“Stressful, but really fun and would definitely recommend.”

Aaron, Year 10, NSW

“It was very educational and helps to broaden your horizons even if you don’t want to pursue business.”

Amara, Year 10, NSW

“It is a program that brings the youth together to design solutions for real world issues.”

Gemma, Year 10, NSW

“A program that challenges students to think innovatively, collaborate and work hard.”

Amara, Year 10, NSWAlice, Year 10, NSW