YICTE Core Awards

The YICTE Core Awards are the foundation of Young ICT Explorers. Every project begins here, regardless of theme, technology, or complexity. These awards recognise the creativity, technical skill, and problem‑solving demonstrated by students as they design and build their digital solutions.

Optional Award categories are only available to enter after a project has been entered into a Core Award category.

Core Award Categories

Projects are entered according to the following categories based on the school year level of the students:

  • years 3–4
  • years 5–6
  • years 7–8
  • years 9–10
  • years 11–12

This ensures fair and age‑appropriate expectations across the competition.

What Types of Projects Can Be Entered?

Students can create any project that uses Digital Technologies or ICT. Whether it’s solving a real‑world problem, exploring a creative idea, or experimenting with emerging technologies, all project types are welcome.

Example Project Types

  • Apps & Web Tools
    Wellbeing check‑in apps, school club websites, cloud‑based organisers.
  • Games & Interactive Media
    Cyber‑safety adventure games, puzzle platformers, interactive stories.
  • Robotics & Hardware
    Recycling‑sorting robots, micro:bit weather stations, assistive devices.
  • AI & Data Projects
    Wildlife‑identifying machine learning models, AI chatbots for learning support.
  • Sustainability & Community Solutions
    Smart irrigation systems, bushfire‑alert prototypes, community volunteering tools.

If students imagined it, designed it, and built it using digital technologies, it belongs in YICTE.

Judging

Each entry is assessed using the following criteria:

Creativity and Innovation

  • Does the project demonstrate original thinking?
  • What is the point of difference between this project and similar products on the market?
  • What makes this project better or more effective than comparable solutions?

Level of Difficulty

  • How challenging was the project for the students’ year level?
  • How were problems identified, solved, or overcome during development?

Quality and Completeness

  • How well does the project meet its objectives?
  • Does it function as a working product that demonstrates practical skills and an understanding of Digital Technologies/ICT?
  • Is it a fully developed solution or a prototype? (Both are welcome.)

Documentation and Presentation

  • Is the project explained clearly during the Zoom session or in the video?
  • Is the project report well‑structured and thorough?

These criteria ensure that students are recognised for both their technical achievement and their learning journey.

Why Core Awards Come First

The Core Awards ensure that:

  • Every project is judged holistically before optional awards are considered.
  • Students receive fair, consistent assessment across year levels.
  • Optional awards are only applied to projects that have completed the main judging category.
  • The full story of each project — from idea to execution — is celebrated.
  • Students become eligible for additional recognition through the optional award categories.

The Core Awards are the heart of Young ICT Explorers, showcasing the creativity, curiosity, talent and innovation of students across Australia.