SummerTech LIVE is a successful state-wide program that has been funded by the Victorian Government since 2017.

The program provides the funding and connections that bring together Victorian businesses, senior level tertiary students, recent graduates, and educators to work on real digital technology problems over the summer break. 

The model is simple: Business (technical problem) + Students/recent Graduates (skills) + Educators (expert supervision). In summary, the SummerTech LIVE studentship will include:

• A challenging technical problem from which both students/recent grads and the participating business can derive business insights and meaningful outcomes.
• At least one academic staff member from the education partner to act as supervisor, provide technical expertise and liaise with the student and business.
• A dedicated mentor from the business who has the time available to collaborate on the project.
• Meaningful paid work experience for the student(s)- offering opportunities for developing innovative, creative thinking, problem-solving abilities and job-ready skills.

The scope and length of the project is open to the academic supervisor and business to decide. Projects usually span between 10-12 weeks to allow enough time for the project to be delivered as agreed.

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This is an opportunity for a business to accelerate technology adoption and innovation. It’s an opportunity to build digital capability and improve competitiveness through accessing academic supervisors and exceptional tertiary students. SummerTech LIVE can help build relationships with education partners for future collaboration.

The SummerTech LIVE has supported Victorian businesses and tertiary students to solve a wide variety of tech challenges, some examples have included:

• ecommerce platforms
• data matching algorithms
• secure digital-business demonstration systems
• integration of telecommunication protocols
• data analytics CMS platforms
• website redevelopment
• cybersecurity network architecture
• machine learning
• augmented and virtual reality interface
• internet of things (IoT) analysis
• research into health and education user interfaces
• AgTech ICT

The SummerTech LIVE program is available to all registered Victorian businesses who:

• Have an Australian Business Number (ABN) with a Victorian address;
• Any business with under 200 employees;
• Derive most of their income from the business activities;
• Have been established and in operation for more than six months;
• Have an innovative and achievable tech project; and
• Are willing and available to mentor two students for 10-12 weeks over the December–March period meeting at least weekly .

If the business’s application is successful, the business will be invited to meet with the educational partner to review the project and refine the scope to match the time frame and resourcing if required.

A tripartite agreement between the business, education partner and the student must be signed before commencement. The agreement will outline expectations on the outcomes of the project, including IP, hours to be allocated by the business, academic supervisor and student(s).

The business must be committed to working with the student to provide necessary information and support to achieve the best project outcome.

Business mentors are a key part of the program, offering students an opportunity to engage with an industry professional to learn about how the business operates and what skills are required to be work-ready. Business mentors will support the students as they undertake the program and deliver outcomes for them, this will include hosting regular meetings and including the student(s) and their academic supervisors in relevant activities.

We request that participating businesses provide a workstation and all the necessary tools for the students to do their job, just like a normal employee. Students and their academic supervisors may also choose to do some of their work on the tertiary campus and/or or work from home, depending on the requirements of the project. 

The IP developed through the project is owned by the business at the completion of the project.

The program offers a unique opportunity for students and/ or recent grads to gain industry experience, improve professional skills and work on challenging projects that have measurable outcomes for business.

The program provides an opportunity for supervising academics to engage with industry, work on real business problems and develop ongoing relationships to collaborate on further innovative projects.

The program will provide tertiary institutes $1000 per project to support the academic supervisor.

Our definition of a “studentship” is a paid summer job. The studentship will be conducted over an agreed time for 10-12 weeks in the period of December to March. The assigned tertiary education provider will match each business with two students. 

Participating students/recent graduates will be provided meaningful project work and not asked to complete everyday business IT (Information Technology) support tasks. Working as a team, the opportunity is for students to develop their job-ready skills, increase their technical skills, assist to build the business’s digital capabilities. 

Students are required to be enrolled in tertiary study, have graduated in 2022 or plan to be graduating in 2024. All students studying ICT or a related subject at a Victorian tertiary institution (TAFE or university) are eligible and must apply via their educational institution.

Students will be paid a studentship to the value of $5000 (ex GST (Goods and Services Tax)) by their tertiary institutions (via a grant from the Victorian State Government) in two payments of $2,500 - one on commencement of the project and one on the completion of the project.

Depending on the project length (10-12 weeks), students will be required to work approximately 19-23 hours per week.

1. Businesses complete and submit the online application form.
2. Assessment of applications will be undertaken by the SummerTech LIVE panel - selection will depend on available resources, skills match and project fit.
3. If successful, a meeting between the business and the allocated tertiary institution is required to finalise Project Scope and allocation of the team.
4. Tripartite project agreement between the business, tertiary institution and student is executed.
5. Project Commences.

• Up to two students per business ($5,000 per studentships) will be funded by the Victorian Government.
• SMEs will need to provide in kind support such as a mentor / contact person for the students and a workstation and all the necessary tools for the students to do their job, just like a normal employee.
• All participants must be available over the summer period.

For further information please contact the VCCI SummerTech LIVE team at summertech@victorianchamber.com.au