Mona Vale, New South Wales, Australia
Purpose & philosophy
Spark Tank is a youth-led initiative inspired by the TV show Shark Tank. It provides a platform for young people to pitch innovative, purpose-driven ideas to a panel of expert judges in a live event format. The program is designed to foster youth empowerment, entrepreneurship and mental health awareness.
Contestants
CONTESTANTS WANTED 8-24 YEARS
Do you have a big idea? We are looking for participants aged 8-24 who will get the chance to share their bold, creative ideas on stage.
You will get mentoring, support and the opportunity to win cash and great prizes to help make your idea happen.
Winning Prizes for both age groups 8-16 and 17-24 years.
Key Dates
- Submissions open now - only 3 easy questions to enter
- Submissions close 17 Aug 25
- Pitch at Spark Tank live on 11 Oct 25
Who can apply?
Anyone aged 8 – 24, in a team of 2 – 6 where at least one person on the team has faced a tough time. Spark Tank is about resilience and bouncing back!
(No need to share details — just your team needs to know.)
How it works
• Open to two age brackets: approx. 8–16 and 17–24
• Teams submit pre-recorded video pitches and present live on event night
• Judging criteria: Merit, Creativity, Community involvement
• All participants receive feedback
• Winners receive funding + 6-month mentorship
Meet the 2025 'Sparks' Panel Judges
Jen Hughes – Mortgage Broker and Business Owner
Jen Hughes – Mortgage Broker and Business Owner
Jen Hughes – Mortgage Broker and Business Owner
Jen is an award-winning mortgage broker, business owner, and community advocate based in Merimbula, NSW. As the driving force behind Mortgage Choice Merimbula, she has supported hundreds of individuals and families in navigating the path to homeownership. Beyond finance, Jen is a passionate mental health advocate, surfer and food lover. Her commitment to empowering others extends into everything she does from running a successful business to fostering resilience and confidence in those around her. Grounded, driven and full of heart, Jen brings a rare blend of financial expertise, life experience, and genuine care to every interaction.
Sig Taubert - Inventor & Investor
Jen Hughes – Mortgage Broker and Business Owner
Jen Hughes – Mortgage Broker and Business Owner
Sig is a visionary investor and prolific inventor based in Sydney. With a keen eye for emerging technologies, Sig has spent over three decades building and backing innovative ventures across clean energy, medtech, and consumer electronics. Sig combines technical insight with strategic guidance to help founders move from prototype to market success.
Beyond his ventures, he serves as a mentor within several Australian startup accelerators, where he champions sustainable design and ethical entrepreneurship. Whether in the lab or the boardroom, Sig’s driving philosophy remains the same: build what matters, and back what lasts.
Iris Bua – Energy Industry leader
Jen Hughes – Mortgage Broker and Business Owner
Iris Bua – Energy Industry leader
Iris is a strategic infrastructure and energy leader with over a decade of experience delivering complex, high-value projects across public and private sectors. With a background in engineering and a proven track record in commercial strategy, stakeholder engagement, and project delivery, she has driven major initiatives in energy transition, customer solutions, and infrastructure growth. Iris is passionate about delivering sustainable impact, aligning technical excellence with customer and policy outcomes. She holds an MBA from Macquarie University and multiple engineering degrees from leading institutions in Australia and France.
On a personal level, Iris is the proud mother of two young boys, and enjoys mentoring, watching movies and spending time with her loved ones.
Kush Bhatia - AI Entrepreneur
Michelle McDonald - Marketing Executive
Iris Bua – Energy Industry leader
Kush is an AI entrepreneur and digital leader passionate about helping people grow. As Co-founder & CEO of JobGen.AI, he’s building the world’s first AI Agent that finds jobs for you, tailors your resume, and applies — so you can focus on landing your next big opportunity.
Before founding JobGen.AI, Kush led award-winning digital health programs at NSW Health, improving care for thousands across Australia. He also serves as Deputy Chair and Treasurer at Connect Family & Services, supporting young people and families. A lifelong mentor and traveller to 50+ countries, he believes in helping people navigate their next chapter with clarity and confidence.
Michelle McDonald - Marketing Executive
Michelle McDonald - Marketing Executive
Michelle McDonald - Marketing Executive
A purpose-driven Marketing, Brand and Communications Leader with a track record for innovation, enterprise transformation, building brand equity and driving sustainable growth.
Michelle has led marketing, brand and engagement teams at two of Australia’s leading universities. Most recently, she has run her own marketing consultancy, working as a trusted strategic advisor to CEO/COOs, Boards and Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) across diverse sectors including Higher Education, Technology, Mining, Travel, and NFP.
Out of the office she has raised awareness, funds and food donations for the hungry. She has actively supported military families in Australia and the United States who have been separated from, or have lost loved ones in the service of their country. In 2022, she was awarded the United States Army Meritorious Public Service Medal.
Michelle is a Certified Practicing Marketer (CPM) with the Australian Marketing Institute (AMI) and a previous mentor in AMI’s Emerging Marketers program. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcdonaldmichelle/
Warren Waddell – Hornsby Mayor
Michelle McDonald - Marketing Executive
Michelle McDonald - Marketing Executive
Mayor of Hornsby Shire Council, Warren was born in Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital in 1968, becoming the fifth generation of the Waddell family of fruit producers. He grew up in the Shire, attending Galston Public School, Galston High School and Macquarie University, securing an Arts degree in Political Science.
Warren has maintained a career in a range of small business entities, including the oversight of the ongoing family business. He is a former board member of the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter and a keen youth supporter.
Paul Wood – Solutions Architect
Paul Wood – Solutions Architect
Paul Wood – Solutions Architect
Paul is a problem-solving web expert with over 20 years in the industry, architecting and developing software in operational and management roles. Since 2002 he has founded and built 2 web development companies to help small and medium sized businesses use the web and web-based systems to their advantage. Through his business he enjoys developing and encouraging the gifts in his employees, working on startup products and partnering with experts in their field to see their vision come to life by creating online software using the latest technologies
As a family man and active community member, Paul loves seeing the potential in kids activated and encouraged through sport and any initiative utilising their gifts and interests.
Paul proposed the idea for Spark Tank in 2019.
Help young adults bring inspiring ideas to life!
Guests - Support local Youth talent & innovation
🙌 WHY ATTEND?
- 🎤 Hear inspiring youth pitches
- 💡 Watch ideas turn into action
- 🎁 Support local talent & innovation
- 🎟️ Be part of something unforgettable
Sponsorship
Sponsors - We need your support to create long term impact!
Spark Tank is Share the Spark’s flagship youth event, a pitch night for young people aged 8–24, followed by a 6-month mentorship program. To deliver this event and its long-term impact, we are seeking financial and in-kind sponsorships.
Sponsorship helps fund:
- The Prize Pool (primary focus of this campaign). Note that all finalists will have cash prize allocated. Distinguishing prizes for winners are intended to be extra packages. Historically, these have been prizes such as in-kind donations of time from companies or marketing packages.
- Mentorship Program Delivery Not only will this help run management of mentorship for our normal mentorship delivery, it will concurrently support the management of mentors (panelists/judges) and mentees (finalists teams from Spark Tank 2025)
Contact Us
Have questions or want to learn more about our programs and services? Get in touch with us! Our friendly staff are always happy to help. 📩 Email: chris@sharethespark.org.au or dangar@sharethespark.org.au