Join the AVISTA Challenge and Start Your Mission Now
// INTRODUCTION
Introduction
You are employed by Southern Systems Group, a trusted Australian Defence Industry contractor that supports emergency and defence operations. Your skills are urgently needed to plan the safe and secure delivery of life-saving aid and personnel to a devastated region.
Your mission begins now.
// DEFENCE INDUSTRY
The Defence Industry
The Defence Industry is different from the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) include the Army, Navy and Air Force. They protect our country and provide peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance in Australia and overseas.
The Defence Industry refers to businesses and companies that provide products, services, and technologies to support the ADF. These businesses help with national security and other important tasks, not just in times of war.
The Defence Industry includes 5 different domains:
Air – Design, manufacturing and maintenance of aircraft and drones.
Information & Cyber Security – Protects defence networks, strengthens cybersecurity, and safeguards critical systems.
Land – Produces and supports military vehicles, robotics, transportation and logistics technology.
Maritime – Builds and maintains naval vessels, including submarines.
Space – Supports satellite communications, space surveillance, and air traffic systems for defence operations
In the AVISTA Challenge, you are working for Southern Systems Group- a fictitious Defence Industry company. This means they are not part of the Australian Defence Force, but provide a range of products and services to support ADF operations.
// PROCESS
iSTEM Engineering Design Process
Your team will follow the 8 step iSTEM engineering design process (The Institute of Technology Education, 2025) to explore technologies and strategies to develop a solution to the problem. Your team’s operational steps are:
1. Operation Define
2. Operation Identify
3. Operation Brainstorm
4. Operation Design
5. Operation Prototype
6. Operation Evaluate
7. Operation Iterate
8. Operation Communicate
// JUDGING
How You’ll be Judged
In each stage, you will receive further information and complete tasks to help your team solve the problem. At the end of the process, submit your solution to be in the running to win a share in a $10,000 prize pool.
// TEAM GUIDE
Your First Task is to Form a Team
Diverse (or multidisciplinary) teams bring together people with different skills, knowledge, and perspectives, which leads to more creative and well-rounded solutions. In STEM problem solving, this means teams can tackle complex challenges from multiple angles and come up with ideas that one person alone might not think of.
In this challenge, you need to form a team of 3-5 people. Think carefully about who you work with and choose teammates that bring different skills, knowledge and perspectives to help you solve all parts of the problem.
// SIGN UP
Teachers – Register Now!
// AVISTA CHALLENGE
Next Challenge: 1. Operation Define
Begin the next stage of your AVISTA STEM Challenge!
In the “Operation Define” stage, your team will analyze the scenario to clearly define the problem that needs solving. This is where you’ll set the foundation for the mission, ensuring you understand the scope and goals. Begin your planning and start tackling the critical issues ahead.
// OUR PARTNERS
AVISTA is proud to partner with:
// SUPPORTED BY
