Merrimac State High School team ‘Accessibility Controller’ were the worthy winners of the Mayors Telstra Technology Award for 2017.
Pitching in front of a panel of judges including Gold Coast Hub CEO, Sharon Hunneybell, the team shared the story of how their classmate Will, who has cerebral palsy, inspired them to create a customised controller that allows people with physical disabilities to enjoy video games.
The team said their idea is to encourage inclusion and help people of all abilities to play video games. The device could also help to improve fine motor skills and act a form of physiotherapy.
Open to all Gold Coast high schools, the technology awards are delivered in partnership with Bond, Telstra, Study Gold Coast and Startup Apprentice.
The awards recognise and drive innovation in entrepreneurship in young minds and along the way showcase some inventive technologies and socially conscious ideas.
Finalist teams are mentored through a series of lecture style and one on one sessions in order to move from an initial idea to creating a prototype and commercialisation model. The winning school walks away with $5000 and student prizes include Google Pixel Smartphones, Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 and Harman Kardon Onyx 3 Bluetooth Speakers.
