
yia! 2025 — it’s still yia! Just supercharged
Innovation isn’t something we talk about — it’s something we do.
That’s why Young Innovator Awards (yia!) is evolving in 2025 to better meet the needs of students, teachers, and industry.
What’s New?
This year, yia! becomes a one-day, hands-on innovation workshop — open to all students and teachers, no pre-work required.
When: Thursday 21 August 2025
What: Design thinking, future-focused skills, creative challenges
Who: Year 7–13 students and educators across the Western Bay of Plenty
No submissions. No judging panels. Just energy, ideas, and action.
Why the Change?
We’re removing the barriers. With increasing time pressures on schools, this new format:
Makes participation easy and accessible
Builds real-world skills through design thinking
Strengthens pathways between education and careers
Deepens teacher and industry connections
Design Thinking isn’t a trend — it’s a future-proof skillset. And yia! is here to grow it.
What’s Next?
Student and teacher registrations open soon. In the meantime, share the news, mark your calendar, and get ready to innovate.
Want in? Contact our team to learn more or express your interest.
Building our innovation ecosystem
-
For Students
WE’RE HERE TO SUPPORT YOUR CREATIVITY
-
For Parents
PREPARING YOUNG PEOPLE FOR THE FUTURE OF WORK
-
For Schools
DEVELOP ESSENTIAL INNOVATION SKILLS IN YOUR SCHOOL
-
For Businesses
PARTNER WITH US AND THE YIA COMMUNITY
