Meet Macquarie University’s 2025 Bubble Tea Business Innovation Challenge winners
What started as a fun challenge to reimagine one of the world’s favourite drinks turned into a showcase of creativity, confidence and business smarts. Recently, 350 high school students from across New South Wales competed in Macquarie University’s 2025 Bubble Tea Business Innovation Challenge.
Run by Macquarie Business School’s Department of Accounting and Corporate Governance, the Challenge asked students to create a bubble tea business idea ready to go viral. Teams presented at the grand final on campus, judged on innovation, market insight and smart accounting skills.
Meet the winners: TubNubs
After several exciting rounds, TubNubs from Our Lady of Mercy College Parramatta took out first place. Judges loved their inventive concept, strong branding and clever use of accounting and business know-how.
“They’ve come up with ideas that are super creative but also feasible, and it takes real courage to present in front of such a big audience,” says Dr Rebecca Bachmann, accounting lecturer at Macquarie University and competition leader.
Creativity that pops
This year’s entries were as playful as they were inventive: ice cream disguised as chicken nuggets, dessert tacos, panipuri nachos – many inspired by the students’ own cultural heritage. Judges said the ideas showed how quickly young people are embracing entrepreneurial thinking.
Beyond bubble tea: skills for life
For TubNubs, the experience was transformative. “We boosted our public-speaking skills and met amazing like–minded people. It was certainly a step outside our comfort zones, but we seized the opportunity,” the team says.
The Challenge also helped students develop teamwork, resilience and communication skills – tools they’ll carry into future studies and careers.
Accounting isn’t boring
The real goal is to show that accounting is alive, creative and totally relevant.
“It’s not just about spreadsheets, it’s about using information to make smarter decisions and bring ideas to life,” Rebecca explains.
Beneath the bubble tea theme lies a serious message: the accounting profession is evolving fast and skilled graduates are in high demand.
Rebecca says, “You can be imaginative and financially savvy at the same time – and that’s the superpower behind successful businesses.”
– Article supplied by Maria Recouvreur
