Makers Empire and SA Water nurture 'water warriors' of tomorrow

Makers Empire taps into Stone & Chalk’s network of government and corporate partners to help increase the uptake of their edtech.

Background

Through a unique approach to learning and easy-to-use 3D design software, Makers Empire set out to develop children’s creative confidence, design thinking skills and interest in STEM. 

As a startup resident at Stone & Chalk, they have access to a network of partners who are eager to leverage emerging technologies to improve their current business models. Among these partners was SA Water, who had previously enlisted Stone & Chalk’s assistance to put in motion a pilot program that seeks to cultivate creative and critical design thinking among future generations.

As the two organisations’ missions and purposes were well aligned, Stone & Chalk moved to connect Makers Empire with SA Water to kick start the program.

Implementation

At the centre of the program is a challenge course, aptly named “Water Warriors”. Throughout the course, with the facilitation of the teachers, students across South Australia will have the opportunities to design and build impactful solutions to real-world water challenges.

For the duration of the program, both teachers and students will have the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the platform and, more importantly, all the stages of the design thinking process.

The program will conclude with a showcase day in the second week of term three, when the schools will come together to celebrate and share their learning. 

Anthony Chhoy, co-CEO of Makers Empire says, "This is a fantastic public-private initiative between two innovative South Australian organisations helping educate our children on our most precious resource and empowering them to become creators, innovators and problem-solvers – I can’t wait to see the innovative solutions on water-related issues the children will come up with."

Outcomes

From the city to the state’s hills and regions, 12 South Australian schools came together to share their projects.

More than 400 students collaborated on design thinking projects in response to a range of challenges, identifying solutions for a water-related problem within their school or community, or to propose a local response to a global program.

"We are delighted to partner with SA Water on this exciting new education program to teach students real-life problem-solving and sustainable water management. Together, we are empowering these students to become creators, innovators and problem solvers so they can make their world better," said Anthony Chhoy, co-Founder and co-CEO of Makers Empire

If you're a startup looking for an opportunity to bring your tech into the hands of more consumers and businesses, check out [Stone & Chalk](https://www.stoneandchalk.com.au/startups.