Young people from across Queensland brought fresh ideas, creativity and real-world problem solving to BlueShift 2026, with the Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC) proud to support the Queensland University of Technology’s (QUT) business case competition for secondary school students. As major sponsor, MAIC challenged students to explore how Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance awareness could be improved among 15 to 18-year-olds in regional and rural Queensland.
Run by QUT’s Business School, BlueShift gives students the opportunity to work in teams of three or four to analyse a live business challenge and develop a written solution. The program is designed to build practical skills in analysis, teamwork, communication and creative problem solving while connecting students with university and industry experiences. Selected finalists are then given the opportunity to present their recommendations during the Champions Round at QUT’s Gardens Point Brisbane campus.
The 2026 competition attracted strong interest, with 84 expressions of interest and 54 presentations submitted. At the Champions Round on 9 May 2026, 19 finalist teams presented their ideas to a judging panel, showcasing thoughtful and practical approaches to connecting with younger audiences on an important insurance and road safety topic.
Between judging rounds, MAIC hosted interactive activities with the Australian Road Safety Foundation (ARSF) to help students learn about driver distraction and road safety through hands-on experiences. Students also met QUT’s Pepper the care robot and explored the QUT EV, including its automation capabilities, sensors and visualisation technology that are helping shape the future of driverless cars. By combining the case challenge with hands-on learning, the event encouraged students to think not only about communication strategies, but also about the real-life consequences of unsafe road use.
For MAIC, the partnership reflects a broader commitment to engaging young people in conversations about road safety, injury prevention and the role of CTP insurance in Queensland. The ideas developed through BlueShift 2026 demonstrate the value of giving students real opportunities to contribute to public awareness challenges, while also helping build the confidence and capability of the next generation of leaders. Some of these outcomes will be refined and incorporated into practical solutions to deliver MAIC CTP awareness projects.
Our thanks to QUT, participating schools and the ARSF for creating an experience that was educational, practical and community-focused. Through initiatives like BlueShift, young Queenslanders are being encouraged to think critically, act responsibly and play a part in shaping safer roads.
