Four Year 11 students from Santa Sabina – Claudia Lee, Namina Sogore, Isabella Kelly, and Sophia Yparraguirre – achieved first place with their innovative app, SunGuard AI, at the prestigious Ideas Challenge. Their success highlights their creativity, initiative, and entrepreneurial spirit.
The Ideas Challenge is a six-week online skills-building program designed for emerging innovators and entrepreneurs. Participants complete three extension tasks, each assessed and, if passed, rewarded with a microcredential. Over Term 1, five groups from Santa Sabina entered Macquarie University’s Incubation Hub Ideas Challenge, completing a series of assessments culminating in the development and presentation of a final startup pitch.
We are proud to celebrate the entrepreneurial success of four outstanding Year 11 students Claudia Lee, Namina Sogore, Isabella Kelly, and Sophia Yparraguirre, who were named finalists in the Top 10 Ideas Challenge, a prestigious competition run by Macquarie University’s Incubation Hub in partnership with Young Wisdom.
Selected from a broad field of applicants across Sydney, the team impressed judges with their socially conscious and forward thinking startup: SunGuard AI. This innovative mobile app uses artificial intelligence to promote sun safety, raise awareness, and support early detection of skin-related conditions.
Designed for both iOS and Android devices, SunGuard AI offers a suite of health-focused features, including:
- real-time sun safety alerts based on UV index levels
- personalised sunscreen recommendations for different skin types
- location-based information on nearby medical clinics
- advanced UV and mole scanning tools for early skin concern detection
- a built-in virtual assistant providing 24/7 support on sun safety.
These features make proactive skin health more accessible, convenient, and engaging for everyday users.
The team was invited to pitch their concept at the inaugural Secondary Student Startup Pitch Night, held at the Macquarie University Incubator, a vibrant space dedicated to nurturing young talent and innovative ideas.
The event brought together the top ten student-led startups from Years 9 to 12, selected through a competitive application process. Finalists pitched their ideas to a panel of industry professionals, educators, and entrepreneurs, competing for a share in a $1000 prize pool, alongside invaluable feedback and recognition from the startup ecosystem.
Our Santa Sabina students demonstrated remarkable creativity, initiative, and professionalism throughout the experience. Participating in an event of this calibre provided them with meaningful insight into real-world entrepreneurship, as well as opportunities to connect with peers and mentors who share a passion for innovation.
We are thrilled to share that the team achieved first place in the competition, an incredible accomplishment that reflects their hard work, vision, and courage. Opportunities like these embody Santa Sabina’s commitment to empowering future-ready learners, students who are curious, collaborative, and confident in shaping a better world through bold ideas.
