Design a contemporary solution for a local business
Griffith University’s Responsible Leaders Challenge empowers budding marketers and entrepreneurs in Year 10 and Year 11 to unleash their creativity and business acumen. Working in teams of up to four, challenge participants will devise compelling solutions for contemporary business problems.
The Responsible Leaders Challenge is aligned with the senior school curriculum and empowers budding entrepreneurs and marketers to unleash their creativity and business acumen.
This year's in-school challenge requires participants to work in teams to devise compelling, contemporary solutions for the Gold Coast University Hospital.
Key points
Targeted to
Year 10 & 11 students
Value
Up to $2,260 in scholarships and prizes per winning team member
Format
Teams to provide a brief submission by end of Aug
Opens
April 2025
Key dates 2025
April 2025 - Registration opens
June 2025 - Workbooks distributed
End August - Submissions due
October 2025 - Announcement and prizes
"The Responsible Leaders Challenge was an excellent and exciting addition to my Year 10 Business class. I would highly recommend the program to teachers who are looking for a student-driven, intellectually challenging program to inspire their students."
Ms. Brooke Walters, Curriculum Leader - Pathways, Our Lady's College
Competition prizes
1st place
Each member of the winning team receives:
- a $2,000 scholarship when commencing a Griffith Business School degree,
- a $250 EFTPOS card, and
- a prize pack.
2nd place
Each member of the winning team receives:
- a $100 EFTPOS card, and
- a prize pack.
3rd place
Each member of the winning team receives:
- a $50 EFTPOS card, and
- a prize pack.
Competition details
To compete in the Griffith Business School Responsible Leaders Challenge you must be:
- in Year 10 or 11 at a registered Queensland secondary school at the time of submission
- given permission by your teacher
- enthusiastic about business and entrepreneurial opportunities
- eager to solve complex marketing problems that help to make the world a better place.
Your team must:
- consist of between two and four students in total
- consist of any combination of students enrolled in Year 10 and 11 from the same school.
- Check you meet the eligibility requirements
- Teams to register via their nominated teacher
- Eligible teams will be notified of their acceptance into the challenge
- Workbooks will be sent to the nominated teacher via email.
Value
A maximum value of $2260 in scholarships and prizes awarded to each member of the winning team.
The Responsible Leaders Challenge offers exciting rewards for the top teams. First-place winners will each receive a $2,000 scholarship to use when commencing a Griffith Business School undergraduate single or double degree*, along with a $250 EFTPOS card and a prize pack. Second-place winners will each receive a $100 EFTPOS card and a prize pack, while third-place winners will be awarded a $50 EFTPOS card and a prize pack. These prizes recognise students’ creativity, teamwork, and innovative thinking, helping to support their future studies and careers.
*Students who opt for a double degree that combines business with another faculty offering are also eligible.
Payment
The scholarship will be disbursed in one instalment after the census date on the year of enrolment.
Each team will be provided with a Responsible Leaders Challenge workbook to guide their challenge submission. The workbook provides additional information relating to the Challenge brief, submission details, and business case, as well as an industry overview. The workbook will be sent by email to the nominated teacher who is identified on the registration form.
Participating in the Challenge enables team members to leverage your business knowledge skills, alongside enhancing key life skills, by applying what you have learnt in your business studies to practice. Importantly, you will be learning to solve a complex 21st Century
business problem for an organisation.
Previous challenges

2024 Winners - St Francis College | ECCO Team
The winners of the 2024 Responsible Leaders Challenge, the ECCO Team from St Francis College, developed innovative and actionable strategies to help the Royal Queensland Art Society (RQAS) engage younger audiences. Their approach included workshops, exhibitions, and social media engagement, alongside opportunities for partnerships and sustainability initiatives to enhance RQAS’s appeal and market position.

2024 Runners up - Our Lady’s College | Hot Shots
The runners-up for the 2024 Responsible Leaders Challenge, team Hot Shots, highlighted strategies for the Royal Queensland Art Society to attract younger audiences and diversify its consumer base. Their recommendations focused on improving social media engagement and leveraging influencers to connect with Gen Z, offering valuable insights for RQAS to consider in its future planning.
2022 Responsible Leaders Challenge
Little Cocoa
The 2022 challenge was to present an impactful and creative solution that would position Little Cocoa as a forward-focused business. The solution would help broaden the company market share across young adults aged 18-25 years, and defining the brand's sustainability credentials.
Major partner
Griffith University and Gold Coast University Hospital Partnership
Griffith University and the Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH) have been partners since GCUH's establishment in 2013, working together to enhance education, research, and healthcare outcomes. This collaboration has provided Griffith students, particularly those in health disciplines, with hands-on clinical training and access to world-class facilities.
Beyond health education, the partnership also extends to the Griffith Business School, which works closely with GCUH on initiatives related to healthcare management, leadership, and innovation. Through research collaborations, industry engagement, and student placements, Griffith Business School supports the hospital in areas such as healthcare administration, financial management, and strategic planning.
Since its establishment, this partnership has strengthened the Gold Coast’s position as a hub for healthcare innovation and excellence, benefiting students across multiple disciplines and contributing to the broader community.
Partner with us
Become a partner and help shape the next generation of ethical and innovative leaders. Your support will empower high school students to develop responsible leadership skills and create solutions that drive positive social impact.
This partnership offers a unique opportunity to connect with students passionate about making a difference, engage with the Griffith Business School community, and demonstrate your commitment to fostering a more sustainable and equitable future.
If you're interested in partnering with the Griffith Responsible Leaders Challenge or would like more information please contact us.