Student Speaker Competition · 2026

Got an idea worth sharing? This is your stage.

We’re looking for bold student voices from across Newcastle to step up, share their perspective, and inspire an audience.

Submit my entry
Entries close 15 Aug 2026
About the competition

Your idea. Our stage.

TEDxNewy’s Student Speaker Competition is open to all local students: all ages, all schools, all backgrounds. Whether your idea is personal, scientific, or just something that’s been living in your head, we want to hear it.

Inspired by the global TED tradition, this competition gives students the chance to develop and deliver a short talk in the TEDx format. Finalists might be invited to present at TEDxNewy 2026 in front of a live audience.

How to enter

Three steps to your TEDx talk.

  1. Find Your Idea

    Think about what genuinely excites, concerns, or fascinates you. Your talk should centre on one clear idea you believe Newcastle needs to hear. It doesn’t need to be groundbreaking, just honest and yours.

  2. Record Your Talk

    Film yourself delivering your TEDx Talk in under 5 minutes. You don’t need professional equipment. A clear video on your phone is perfectly fine. Focus on clarity, passion, and getting your idea across, and keep it to the point.

  3. Submit via TEDx Newy

    Submit your video through the official entry form below before 15 August 2026. Make sure your video link is accessible and your contact details are correct. Good luck. We can’t wait to watch!

Prizes

What you can win.

  • Prize 1

    Two Tickets to TEDxNewy 2026

    Bring a friend and experience the full TEDxNewy event from the audience: an inspiring day of ideas and stories.

  • Prize 2

    Exclusive Backstage Access

    Get a look at how TEDxNewy comes together on the day, including the parts the audience never sees.

  • Prize 3

    Public Speaking Coaching Session

    One exclusive session with an experienced speaking coach to sharpen your delivery, presence, and storytelling.

  • Prize 4

    Speak at TEDxNewy

    The ultimate prize: the chance to take the TEDxNewy stage and deliver your talk live to a full audience.

From last year’s winner
“This was a precious opportunity to not only share what is important to me, but also explore the process of presenting, speech writing and behind the scenes of a TEDxNewy event.”
Chloe
Merewether High School · 2025 winner
Are you ready?

Submit your talk.

Entries close 15 August 2026. Make sure your video link is publicly accessible and your contact details are correct. We’ll be in touch as judging progresses.

Make sure your video is set to public, or to “anyone with the link can view”. YouTube unlisted, Google Drive sharing, Vimeo and Dropbox all work.

Questions?

Need help with your video, your idea, or just want to chat through it first?

activations@tedxnewy.com.au