The Orbispace Initiative

The Orbispace Initiative (TOI) is an ACNC registered charity on a mission to train and empower the next generation of female innovators. 90% of TOI students report uplift in confidence, teamwork, communication skills, and interest in STEM fields. TOI builds cyclical relationships between young women and leaders in the STEM and entrepreneurship sectors. Our programs equip students with the knowledge, skills, industry experiences and networks needed to disrupt negative trends and increase female participation and leadership. Following a range of highly impactful pilot events in 2019, we spent 2020 collaborating with industry experts and educators to map the Australian curriculum and develop a new Innovation Program targeting year 8, female high school students. TOI’s Innovation Curriculum maps the Australian Curriculum across 30+ curriculum links for Stage 4 ACARA Content Outcomes, and more than 40+ links to the 7 general capabilities. Since launching the TOI Innovation Program in 2021, TOI has experienced explosive growth, with schools adopting TOI all across the state– including regional communities in NSW. Throughout the pandemic we delivered a hybrid online / incursion based program. In 2022, we welcomed schools back to The Sydney Startup Hub where, in partnership with Tank Stream Labs, students connected with our powerful ecosystem of STEM industry leaders and female innovators, to be immersed in 'the future of work'. Today we competitively assess school participation so to ensure a diverse cohort, along with boosting representation from First Nations students, as well as students in low SES and/or regional communities. We work in partnership with the NSW Department of Education SISP Program, along with multiple Catholic School Diocese and Independent School Networks. Please reach out to us if you are an industry mentor / partner wanting to support the next generation of female innovators, or an educator interested in having your school join.