A unique opportunity returns this summer for small to medium businesses (SMEs) that need digital solutions and tech students who need industry experience.

SummerTech LIVE is an innovative program that matches Victorian businesses with skilled students to solve technology problems as well as support the workforce of the future.

For many SMEs, it is difficult to find the time and resources to implement digital solutions to maintain competitiveness while keeping on top of the day-to-day pressures of running a business. For students, it can be difficult to kickstart a career without some relevant experience and professional connections. This program bridges the gap for students and businesses.

There is no cost to participating businesses. Participating tertiary education institutes provide mentoring support to the students and businesses provide their time to work with the student(s) and the educational institute.

How does it work?

SummerTech LIVE is funded by the Victorian Government and delivered by the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Find out more here >>

SummerTech LIVE program matches Victorian businesses with digital needs to tertiary students, recent graduates, and educators to innovate, help solve technology problems and support digital transformation.

The program operates as a paid studentship during the summer break with the participating students and graduates receiving $5,000 and educational mentors receiving up to $1,000 per student, meaning the program is delivered at no cost to businesses. 

The SummerTech LIVE studentship will include:

• A challenging technical problem from which both students/recent graduates and the participating business can derive business insights and meaningful outcomes.
• At least one academic staff member from the education partner to act as supervisor, provide technical expertise and liaise with the student and business.
• A dedicated mentor from the business who has the time available to collaborate on the project.
• Meaningful paid work experience for the student(s)- offering opportunities for developing innovative and creative thinking, problem-solving abilities and job-ready skills.
• A tripartite agreement will need to be entered by the education partner, business and the students detailing Intellectual Property conditions, expectations on the outcomes of the project and the hours committed by the business, supervisor and student(s).

The scope and length of the project is open to the academic supervisor and business to decide. Projects usually span between 10-12 weeks to allow enough time for the project to be delivered as agreed.

Accelerate technology adoption and innovation in your business and register today! 

A proven model that delivers

Over its three previous rounds, SummerTech LIVE has supported more than 200 students to develop job-ready skills by working with more than 120 SMEs on technology-related business projects

What past business participants have said:

“Good opportunity to inject fresh energy into the team.”

“Opportunity to experiment with new technology from keen students.”

“The students were great and they produced a feature we were able to use.”

What students have said about the experience:

“It was good to have real-life challenges and be tasked to solve real problems.”

“I learnt things that I personally would not have on my own, such as machine learning algorithms, string matching, using statistical methods such as clustering, and classification.”

“It resulted in a job!”