Somerset Ignites

Somerset Ignites is our bold reimagining of entrepreneurship in education, lighting the way for the next generation of innovators, creators and changemakers. Join us for two days of real-world learning, big ideas, and transformative conversations on 16–17 September 2025.

We are proud to unveil the evolution of our much-loved Celebration of Entrepreneurship, now reimagined as Somerset Ignites and the Somerset Ignites Festival.

While the heart of the event remains the same, empowering students through entrepreneurial thinking, this new identity reflects a bold and modern vision. Somerset Ignites is about sparking curiosity, creativity, and future-focused learning across our entire College community.

What to Expect

Held over Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 September (Week 10), the Somerset Ignites Festival brings together inspiring entrepreneurs, innovators, alumni, and industry leaders to share stories, host workshops, and challenge students to think differently about the world of work, business, and creativity.

Our budding Year 9 entrepreneurs will once again take centre stage, serving up delicious creations and showcasing their business flair at their vibrant market stalls. At the same time, our Year 6 students will launch their YearSixpreneur ventures, proving that creativity, confidence and commercial thinking can thrive at any age. Expect energy, innovation, and plenty of entrepreneurial spirit from our youngest changemakers.

From student-led activations and trade markets to fireside chats, keynote speakers, and hands-on experiences, the festival is designed to ignite ideas and build real-world skills. It’s where entrepreneurial mindsets are nurtured, resilience is built, and bold ideas are celebrated.

Why Somerset Ignites?

• Inspire: Hear diverse voices, from entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs to alumni, sharing the realities of turning ideas into impact.
  
• Educate: Gain real-life insights into problem-solving, innovation, and the future of work.
  
• Empower: Apply entrepreneurial capabilities in action through student-led stalls, competitions, and creative challenges.

Voices That Inspire – Our 2025 Guest Entrepreneurs

We are proud to welcome an extraordinary line-up of speakers whose stories will challenge, inspire, and ignite futures:

🌊 Mark Sowerby — Former Somerset College Board member and parent, who conquered the seven greatest ocean swims in the world, beginning with 14 hours across the English Channel. Mark will share the power of composure at the edge of endurance.

🚴‍♀️ Sara Carrigan — Olympic Gold Medallist, alumna, and parent of the College. Sara will explore curiosity, communication, and composure in achieving your goals.

🏅 Bryce Lindores — Somerset alumnus and Paralympic medallist, whose resilience and curiosity propelled him from personal tragedy to international success.

💡 Ashutosh Vaitha — 2024 Westpac Youth Impact Challenge winner, who developed an app to support individuals with neurodivergent conditions.

🌏 Ben Southall — Adventurer, entrepreneur, and founder of Best Life Adventures, known globally as the winner of “The Best Job in the World.”

💼 Helen Stephens — Director of Youth and Engagement at Dead Puppet Society, where she works as a performer, director, consultant, and lead facilitator of visual theatre and puppetry training.

🌟 Dave Heironymus — A seasoned technology leader with extensive experience driving innovation, scalability, and player-focused solutions at Riot Games.

📊 Ella Foster — Aspiring project manager and young leader passionate about future pathways.

🎤 Adelaide Coman — With 10 years’ experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, and community leadership, she has guided hundreds of early-stage ventures and taught startup management at the University of the Sunshine Coast.

🤖 Kim Hansen — Entrepreneur and innovator in AI and Fintech, known for creativity and business growth.

This diverse speaker line-up embodies the spirit of Somerset Ignites - igniting curiosity, critical thinking, courage, communication, composure, creativity, compassion, and citizenship in the leaders of tomorrow.

Somerset Ignites Festival 2025 Programme

Igniting Futures

Somerset Ignites is more than an event. It’s a movement. A chance for students to see what’s possible when curiosity, creativity, and courage come together.