Youth Futures Lab · 2026

2026 Youth Futures Lab

Friday, 7 August 20269:30 am to 2:30 pmNUspace City Campus, Room X-101Free for selected schools
TEDxNewy event signage in the venue, hosted by TEDxNewy and Newcastle community partners.
EOIs closed · coming soonExpressions of interest for 2026 have now closed. Get updates
About

Empowering young voices to lead what’s next.

Students are placed into small teams and introduced to a local challenge for young adults. Guided through idea development, prototyping, and storytelling, each team will approach the challenge in their own unique way, producing a final pitch by the end of the day. The workshops are designed to sharpen analytical thinking, collaborative skills, and confident presentation technique. TEDx Newy and University of Newcastle facilitators guide and coach student teams throughout.

Facilitators

TEDx Newy × University of Newcastle.

Magdalena Hoeller

Magdalena Hoeller

Adventures & Education Coordinator | Speaker Coach

TEDx Newy Speaker 2024. Works at the University of Newcastle.

Craig Smith

Craig Smith

Adventures & Education Team Lead

TEDx Newy Speaker 2024. Works with the Australian Government in Inclusive Education.

Hands writing on tags during a TEDxNewy workshop, with TEDxNewy badges in the foreground.
Who should attend

Who this is for.

  • Emerging and current student leaders
  • Students with an interest in leadership, communication, innovation, or community impact
  • Students looking to build confidence in public speaking and real-world problem solving
Outline

What the day looks like.

  • 9:30 amRegistration & team formation
  • 10:00 amWorkshop 1: Set-up, problem-solving & presentation skills
  • 11:00 amBreak
  • 11:15 amWorkshop 2: Guided teamwork
  • 12:15 pmLunch
  • 1:00 pmTeam practice
  • 1:30 pmFinal pitch presentations
  • 2:30 pmWrap up

Please note: morning tea and lunch are not provided. Students are encouraged to bring their own food, or use the University of Newcastle cafe on campus.

What students gain

Skills they’ll carry well beyond the day.

  • Practical presentation and storytelling skills (TED-style delivery)
  • Experience working on a real Newcastle-based challenge
  • Collaboration and leadership experience in a fast-paced team setting
  • Exposure to TEDx and university facilitators for early networking
  • The opportunity to pitch ideas in a supportive, high-standard environment
Map of Newcastle marked with colored pins, representing a local challenge to be tackled by student teams.
Teams tackle a real Newcastle-based challenge, picked fresh for each cohort.
School participation

How it works for your school.

Each school nominates
  • · 1 accompanying teacher
  • · 3 to 10 students (recommended group size)
Schools are responsible for
  • · Transport to and from the venue
  • · Standard excursion approvals and supervision requirements
Please note: expressions of interest for 2026 have now closed. Selected schools have been contacted directly. Register for updates to hear about the next round first.
Get updates
Expressions of interest · closed

Expressions of interest are now closed.

Thanks for the interest in the 2026 Youth Futures Lab. Registrations have now closed and selected schools have been contacted directly. We’ll announce the next round in due course. Subscribe and we’ll let you know first.

Get updates
Request further details

Got a question or need a tailored pack for your school leadership team?

activations@tedxnewy.com.au