Winners of Study Australia Entrepreneurship Challenge 2025 Sri Lanka were announced at the Festival of Australia

Students of Trinity College, Kandy, Sri Lanka won the Australian Government’s Study Australia Entrepreneurship Challenge 2025 Sri Lanka. The winners were announced at the Festival of Australia event held in Colombo on 29 June 2025.

The Festival of Australia organised by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), was a first-of-its-kind showcase celebrating Australia’s world-class education and premium food and beverage products.

The showcase held in Colombo provided an invaluable opportunity for Sri Lankan students and parents to engage directly with representatives of Australian universities to explore educational programs designed to support their career aspirations.

Prospective students gained insights on Studying in Australia by attending the Australian alumni talk and information sessions organised as a part of the showcase.

Coinciding with the Festival of Australia, Austrade organised the final event of the Study Australia Entrepreneurship Challenge 2025 Sri Lanka. Five finalist teams representing Sri Lankan schools, pitched their ideas to an accomplished judging panel.

The Study Australia Entrepreneurship Challenge (SAEC) was an intense program organised by Austrade, of online workshops and mentoring, equipping Grade 10-12 students with real-world skills in innovation, leadership, and problem-solving. Mentored by Australian academics and industry leaders, students collaborated in teams of three, to develop and pitch business solutions to global challenges in the fields of Green Tech & Sustainable Solutions, Human-Centered AI, and Digital Transformation for Social Good.

The Festival of Australia also featured premium Australian packaged food products, in partnership with Sri Lankan based importers and distributors. A sampling of food items prepared with Australian ingredients showcased Australia’s culinary diversity and heritage.

As a part of the festival, Austrade hosted “Taste the Wonders of Australia”, a networking reception showcasing Australia’s finest meats, wines and ingredients.

Speaking about the festival Mr Vik Singh, Trade and Investment Commissioner, Australian Trade and Investment Commission said, ‘We are very happy to host the festival of Australia in Colombo, showcasing Australia’s excellence in education and cuisine. The festival offers Sri Lankan students to explore future-ready learning opportunities, while also introducing families and

food enthusiasts to Australia’s premium products. By showcasing world-class universities and the growing preference for Australian produce, we aim to offer Sri Lankan students and consumers a true taste of Australia’s excellence and innovation.’

The Festival of Australia strengthens Australia’s presence in Sri Lanka and celebrates a shared commitment to cross-cultural appreciation and collaboration.