BMW Group Australia and RMIT University launch YourMelbourne competition

The second edition of YourMelbourne, a competition that challenges students to conceptualise their vision for the city of Melbourne in the year 2030, was launched today by BMW Group Australia and RMIT University with an expanded scope. 

Initially launched in 2019 and targeted at high school students, the second edition of the competition is now open to students from partner university, RMIT, led by the School of Economics, Finance and Marketing at the RMIT University College of Business and Law.

Previously YourMelbourne was open exclusively to high school students, but for 2021 the competition will be open to pre- and post-graduate students from the initiative’s partner university, RMIT. 

In addition, all entrants will be asked for ideas that align their project with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as part of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Each YourMelbourne entry will be judged on five core pillars: Public Mobility, Private Mobility, Urban Planning, Connectivity and Sustainability. 

Students are encouraged to integrate their ideas and execution concepts across different academic disciplines, from design and technology to user experience, engineering and business aspects.

They can enter as individuals or as a group, with more than $10 000 combined in cash prizes on offer and the option to experience driving a BMW Group plug-in hybrid or fully electric vehicle. 

Winning entries of each category will be selected by an expert panel comprising members representing both BMW Group and RMIT. 

Wolfgang Buechel, Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group Australia, said he looked forward to seeing the submissions from a wide pool of talent as part of the revamped program for 2021.   

“Sustainability is at the heart of the BMW Group. YourMelbourne is an opportunity that opens the door for young minds to be inspired and to join BMW Group on this journey. In order for Future Mobility to evolve quickly and significantly, we need the active support of everyone’s combined efforts – government, investors, industry players and society,” Mr. Buechel said.

Professor Heath McDonald, Dean of School of Economics, Finance and Marketing, College of Business and Law said: “At RMIT, we have prioritised addressing the critical global challenges we face today through all facets of our research and teaching. This approach has resulted in RMIT being ranked number three overall in the world in the 2021 Global University SDGs Impact Rankings. 

“Partnering with innovative industry leaders like BMW Group allows us to see the future more clearly, and build collaboration, innovation and engagement across the communities we serve.”

Further details on the YourMelbourne 2021 Competition will be announced on the competition microsite, which can be accessed via bmw.com.au/yourmelbourne.