The Macquarie Capital Innovative Student Award is your opportunity to pitch an innovative business idea and open up a world of possibilities.

About the competition

Macquarie Capital believes in recognising talent and empowering entrepreneurialism. Penultimate year students considering a career in finance, you are invited to submit your ideas in a proposal, demonstrating your innovation and unique thinking. Any original idea regardless of industry domain, business opportunity or innovation type will be considered. To be eligible, you need to provide Macquarie Capital with:

  • a proposal with a maximum length of 750 words;
  • cover letter with your full name, proposed title, degree and university;
  • current copy of your resume; and
  • current copy of your academic transcript.

Proposal criteria

  • Concept originality
    • Macquarie Capital is interested to hear from students who are able to demonstrate innovations that not only address a need/or solve a problem, but also seize an opportunity to create a new market or industry.
    • Evidence of how the offering is unique and distinct over any alternative that might be available in the market today
  • Commerciality
    • What stakeholders are impacted by this innovation and are there any regulatory constraints?
    • How do you intend to market the idea and is there sufficient appetite?
    • What is the value or impact of your innovative idea? How does it bring about change from the status quo?
  • Practicality
    • Is the idea readily integrated into existing markets or a new market?
    • Will it be cost effective to implement?
    • Does its implementation present any risk?
  • Measurable benefits
    • Evaluate its unique value proposition, the relationship between any costs and benefits and its economic desirability.

Prize

The winning student will receive:

  • $25,000 award prize (gross);
  • an offer of a full-time paid summer internship position with Macquarie Capital, based in Sydney;
  • one-on-one mentoring during the winning student’s final year of study; and
  • an offer of permanent full-time employment as a Graduate Analyst, following completion of studies, in the Sydney or Melbourne office

How to apply

To submit your application, go over to the Macquarie Capital Innovative Student Award website, click on apply now at the bottom, and submit your proposal and supporting documentation through the application form.

Applications close: 12pm, Thursday 11 May

Successful candidates will be contacted shortly after.

Finalists will have an opportunity to present to senior Macquarie Capital Executives in May. The winner will be announced shortly following the presentation.