Seeking proposals to deliver new AMPC STEM Student University Innovation Challenge Program

The red meat processing industry is rapidly evolving through the adoption of automation, data systems, and advanced technologies – yet awareness of these opportunities remains limited among STEM students, who often overlook the industry as a career pathway.

To address this, the Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) is seeking expressions of interest from capable providers and collaborators to co-design and deliver the STEM Student University Innovation Challenge Program to engage university students from technology, engineering, robotics, and data science disciplines.

This two-to-three-day program will combine hands-on learning, industry immersion, and collaborative problem-solving, equipping students with the tools and insights to apply their STEM skills to real industry challenges, while positioning red meat processing as a hub for innovation and purpose-driven careers.

Vision

To build awareness, capability and interest in the next generation of STEM-focused professionals by showcasing career opportunities within the red meat industry – framing the industry as a hub for innovation, automation and impact-driven careers.

Background

The Intercollegiate Meat Judging (ICMJ) Program is widely regarded as one of the most effective initiatives in Australia for attracting high-calibre talent into the red meat processing and broader agricultural sectors. Over several decades, ICMJ has successfully connected university students with industry through hands-on learning, exposure to commercial operations, and structured career engagement. Its alumni network includes many of today’s industry leaders, highlighting the program’s long-term impact on workforce development. Inspired by this success, AMPC sees an opportunity to develop a parallel model focused specifically on STEM students—harnessing their technical expertise to explore the breadth of opportunities in meat processing. Providers interested in applying are encouraged to research the ICMJ model and consider its elements of practical engagement, competition-based learning, and strong industry partnerships as guiding principles for this new initiative.

Target audience

The primary target audience is university students in STEM disciplines.

Program format

We’re seeking a program that includes:

A challenge-based learning format (e.g. Innovation Challenge)
Educational content covering:
The red meat processing supply chain and context
Industry tech adoption (AI, robotics, data capture, automation, etc.)
Key issues and opportunities in red meat processing
Future STEM adoption opportunities
Mentoring, networking and collaborating with industry experts
Interactive processing site tour(s)
A pitching/judging component to encourage practical, industry-based thinking
A careers fair to connect students directly with red meat processors, technology providers, and industry employers.
Networking dinners to foster relationship building between students, facilitators and industry representatives.
A final awards evening, where student teams present their solutions and are recognised across multiple categories (e.g., Most Innovative, Best Practical Solution, Team Collaboration, Industry Impact).

Location

Open to suggestions. Ideally, the event will be located near a processing plant, a university campus, and suitable student accommodation. The location must allow access to relevant technology and site tours.

Timing

Discovery and planning phase commencing 2026
Launch in the second half of the 2026 or 2027 academic year
Scheduling: Open for recommendations based on university holidays, other competitions, etc
The program is to run annually for three years as a pilot initiative, with the long-term aim of being an ongoing industry event
Duration: Suggesting two-to-three days for the pilot; however, this is open for discussion

Budget

Please submit a scalable proposal aligned with a three-year delivery model, including:

Initial planning costs
Indicative annual costing
Staffing, travel, materials, partnerships, and student subsidies
Consideration of how the event could be utilised as a work placement or linked with university credit/learning outcomes
Opportunities for sponsorship

Preferred proposal features

Demonstrated ability to engage students through collaborative delivery methods
Understanding of the red meat processing industry
Creativity and flexibility in program design
Clear measurement of outcomes (e.g. student engagement, diversity reach, industry interest, post-event follow-up)

Assessment and selection process

AMPC will review applications against the selection criteria outlined below. Shortlisted providers may be invited to present their proposed concept and delivery approach to AMPC as part of a pitching and Q&A session to be held in early 2026.

Following this process, AMPC will assess proposals based on alignment with program objectives, innovation and engagement potential, delivery capability, and value for money.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their submission in late February 2026.

Selection criteria

Proposals will be assessed on their ability to demonstrate a clear vision, a practical implementation plan, and alignment with AMPC’s objectives for attracting and engaging STEM talent within the red meat processing industry.

Applications should clearly address the following criteria:

Program design and innovation

· Creativity and originality of the proposed challenge format and learning experience.

· Strength of engagement strategies to attract and inspire STEM students.

· Integration of hands-on, challenge-based learning and industry immersion.

Alignment with industry needs

· Understanding of the red meat processing sector and its technology landscape.

· Relevance of proposed activities to real-world industry challenges and future skill requirements.

· Inclusion of industry collaboration opportunities (e.g., processor site visits, mentoring, judging).

Delivery capability and partnerships

· Demonstrated experience in delivering similar programs, events, or educational initiatives.

· Capability and expertise of the delivery team and key collaborators.

· Strength of partnerships with universities, industry, and technology providers.

Impact and outcomes

· Clear metrics for measuring success (e.g., student engagement, diversity, industry participation, ongoing connections).

· Plans for post-event follow-up and long-term impact tracking.

· Potential for scalability and sustainability beyond the pilot period.

Budget and value for money

· Realistic and transparent budgeting aligned with a three-year delivery model.

· Evidence of cost efficiency and resource leverage (e.g., in-kind support, sponsorships).

· Alignment between the proposed outcomes and the requested investment.

Eligibility

Applications are invited from capable organisations, consortia, or partnerships with the expertise and capacity to design and deliver high-impact STEM engagement programs. Eligible applicants may include:

Universities, research institutions, or education providers
Industry associations or training organisations
Event management or innovation challenge specialists
Private sector organisations with relevant technical or industry experience
Collaborative partnerships between any of the above

Collaborative proposals are encouraged, particularly where they bring together educational expertise, industry access, and innovative delivery models.

Next steps

Please submit your proposal as a PDF, following the criteria above.

Submissions close

Friday, 19 December 2025 at 5.00pm AEDT

Enquiries/ submit proposals to:

Amanda Carter, Program Manager – People and Culture a.carter@ampc.com.au and

Holly Speers, Project Officer – People and Culture h.speers@ampc.com.au