Orbispace Pitch for the Planet

The Orbispace Initiative is a six-month program for Year 8 girls that teaches STEM and innovation skills through weekly lessons, workshops and mentoring from women in the industry currently. It finishes with a “Pitch for the Planet” where students present their solutions to real-world problems. Last Wednesday (September 17) 14 Year 8 Newman students had an amazing opportunity to attend Orbispace’s Pitch for the Planet to pitch their solutions to real female innovators. As soon as we entered, the room was filled with many students wearing a t-shirt with their logo on it showcasing their own brands and innovations. Upon seeing this we were excited to have a day filled with innovations and watched others pitch their solutions.

Watching other schools’ pitches inspired us and sparked creativity in our minds. Teams chose one of the following sustainability problems, urban heat and the need for greening, stormwater and flooding, walkable and climate- resilient communities and each team had their own unique way of tackling the problem. Watching them pitch demonstrated how, throughout that past 6 months, each team put lots of work, effort and passion into their presentation and innovations. Although only one winner was chosen from each heat, we were all winners in each other’s eyes.

A highlight of our day was being able to meet Delta Goodrem. Her speech was very moving as she spoke of how she never gave up and kept trying no matter how many times she was told no. Hearing her speak really motivated us to always keep going no matter what situation we are in because in the end it all works out. 

Our team, Cool Paths, was thrilled to be announced as the winner of The Orbispace Initiative Pitch for the Planet competition 2025, but winning didn’t really matter. We were all inspired by the incredible ideas shared and the six month journey leading up to the event helped us build important qualities like teamwork, creativity and the confidence to make a difference.

Cassandra Bashaw, Arianna Tahhan, Arianna Fisicaro and Madeleine Forwood
Year 8