Last Friday, 25 October, HP presented a 3D printed prototype of a car to the students and principal of Dapto High School. This event celebrated the innovative spirit of the students who participated in the 2023 Game Changer Challenge (GCC) and showcases the successful collaboration between HP and the Department of Education (DoE).
The 2023 Game Changer Challenge finalists from Dapto High School impressed HP with their innovative solution for creating accessible car design options for people with disabilities.
Although they didn’t win an official award, HP was inspired to help them bring their design to life using the HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printer. HP design staff visited Dapto High School to refine the design, which was then 3D printed on an industrial-size printer in Singapore.
“The next big idea can be born from anywhere and by anyone in the world – that is one of the most exciting things about the future of innovation and why HP was thrilled to collaborate with the Year 8 students from Dapto High School in this special STEM project,” says Vice President and Managing Director, HP AUNZ, Brad Pulford.
“After scouting the incredible idea at the 2023 Game Changer Challenge, HP was able to bring the accessible car design to life by providing the students with hands-on training in 3D design, and industry-level exposure to advanced printing technology. The opportunity to partner with a global company like HP has broadened the students’ horizons, showing them what’s possible beyond their regional town.”
Award-winning design thinking
The Game Changer Challenge is the NSW Department of Education’s award-winning design thinking competition. Open to public schools across the state the challenge centres on discovering solutions for a real-world, wicked problem by applying classroom learning.
The HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) 3D printer offers MJF technology that is the preferred choice for global leaders in industries such as automotive, energy, and consumer goods. Companies like BMW, Volkswagen, Siemens, Daimler (Mercedes-Benz), and Nike have adopted MJF to drive efficiency and innovation in their production processes.
Chloe Jackson is an English teacher year nine Year advisor at Dapto High School and told EducationDaily that the female students on the team developed their pitch for the 2023 Game Changer Challenge over a few weeks to secure their spot.
“They then continued to refine their initial pitch over a number of months to present at the semi-finals.
“Some of the girls have people close to them living with disability, therefore, they understood closely the challenges that many people face every day. Building a world that is more inclusive for everyone was certainly a driving motivator for the team.”
Jackson says that, because “independence and inclusion for those living with disability are such core values to the girls, they feel extremely proud to have this recognised at such a high level”.
“For the school, this experience has showcased and celebrated the wonderful work that public school students can produce when they are able to engage with private industries,” she says.
“It has also been rewarding to see young women in STEM working collaboratively to create a future that aims to establish independence for all people.”
Technology brings ideas to life
HP Australia & New Zealand Education Ambassador Brett Salakas says it was important for HP to help the Dapto High School students bring their design to 3D life.
“The collaboration began with the NSW Department of Education’s Game Changer Challenge, where I first saw the Dapto High School team’s pitch,” he told EducationDaily.
“Their idea had great potential, and I knew it could be nurtured into something impactful. This led to launching their design as a 3D-printed prototype, giving their concept real, tangible life.
“For students, especially those from regional areas, seeing their work come to life in collaboration with a global company is transformative. This project provided an authentic experience that connected year eight girls with professionals across three countries to refine and develop their ideas.
“It wasn’t just about the technical skills; it was about showing them their potential and opening their eyes to career pathways that stretch far beyond their local community. Through this project, the students demonstrated HP’s own values in action—commitment, collaboration, and a passion for creating meaningful change.”
Nurturing tomorrow’s innovators
He says that he was impressed by their STEM thinking, with a design that “tackled a genuine problem, creating an adaptable car chassis to include aftermarket or optional extras specifically designed for people with disabilities”.
“This solution not only enhances user independence and dignity but also has genuine market potential. It’s a commercial concept that could make a real difference – and it’s surprising that this idea doesn’t already exist!
“Their work shows how the next generation can embrace these values to create accessible, inclusive technology solutions that make a difference in people’s lives.
“Recognising young innovators validates their ideas, showing them that their creativity and insights have value. When young people see their work taken seriously, it builds their confidence, inspiring them to believe in their own potential. Excellence, vision, and determination have no age barriers, and it’s crucial to reinforce this as they start their journeys.”
