Young Achievement Australia 
The Young Achievement Australia (YAA), established
in 1977, is a non-government charitable institution
that is affiliated internationally with more than 100
countries around the world. The YAA programs aim to provide a broad-based
training which link education to business for youths
in Australia from as young as primary
school to young adults. Due to the strong support from various sponsors,
the programs are conducted at no cost, in turn, helping
youths from the unemployed
and disadvantaged groups to build a foundation of skills and knowledge,
equipped for their future working paths. A mentoring
program is also in place to enable
professionals or members of the community to contribute guidance and experience
to the participants into forming a successful company.
Biotechnology Entrepreneur
Program™
The YAA’s Biotechnology Entrepreneur Program™ (BEP™) runs
on
a 24-week course, providing a platform primarily for energetic young scientists
who are interested in integrating business skills and commerce into their scientific
research and knowledge. It is also targeted to highly enthusiastic students of
various backgrounds to contribute their expertise and pick up new interests particularly
in the biotechnology field. The program engages the students to establish a small-scale
company and develop products for commercialisation, thus serving as a portal
to the real business world.
During the 24-week program, the students will:
- participate in the formation of the company
- sell shares to raise capital
- appoint management positions
- write the company code of ethics
- prepare a business plan
- conduct market research and establish a product
- showcase the product at a tradeshow
- prepare an annual report
- liquidate the company and return the profits
to shareholders
Students, mentors and sponsors of
the BEP™ are encouraged to
attend networking events and seminars during the course,
as well as attend an awards night organised at he
end of the program. This is
to distinguish student companies and their members
for their commitment and excellence during the program.
For more information on the programs,
go to http://www.yaa.org.au/page/programs/biotechnology-entrepreneur-program-/
