One Sunshine Coast local is riding the wave of pickleball’s phenomenal popularity, with as Australians by the thousands embracing the craze.
Last year, more than 92,000 Australians played the paddle sport, which combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis.
Now, Norbert Zielinski’s innovative pickleball paddles have led to him being named the winner of the 2025 Generation Innovation (GI) Challenge at the GI Challenge Pitch night on October 8 at Mooloolaba.
Norbert’s innovation impressed judges and the audience, earning him the top honour and a $10,000-plus prize package. He was among 11 young entrepreneurs representing 10 ventures at the challenge.
In a jam-packed few months, the budding entrepreneurs participated in masterclasses, bootcamps, market research, pitching and interviews.
Supported by their mentors and the GI team, this year’s cohort demonstrated incredible growth during the program and deep passion and commitment to realising the potential of their ideas.
On the final pitch night, three finalists – Jasmin Jobson, from Silk District, with her silk-lined hoodies, bringing haircare and style together; Caitlin Gillet and Alice Kidston, from Dignity Wash, with their body wash designed to bring hygiene and dignity to people all over the world; and Norbert, from PACT Paddles – presented their videos and answered questions from a panel of judges.
“We have been blown away by the passion, focus and determination from this year’s Generation Innovation entrepreneur cohort and their drive to build their ventures,” GI chair Shane Cunningham says.
“We’re very grateful to our partners and mentors who we rely on to run Generation Innovation and deliver the challenge each year, especially our platinum partner Youi, who is now in their fifth year of generously supporting the GI Challenge.”
The runners-up each received $2000 towards building their ventures, and the Spirit of GI Award went to Fable Bears founder Tallulah Marsh.
Tallulah received $1000 in recognition of her commitment to the GI Challenge program and the determination she displayed to turn her idea into a business.
The success of the GI Challenge over the past 11 years is considered a testament to the community’s commitment to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit of young people and driving innovation forward on the Sunshine Coast and Noosa regions.
About Generation Innovation
The GI Challenge is an independently run entrepreneurship program for 15 to 21-year-olds from the Sunshine Coast and Noosa that unleashes the innovation of young people. It has run annually since 2015 and empowers young entrepreneurs to translate an idea into a viable business through mentoring, skills development and business connections in a collaborative and inspiring environment.
For more information, visit: generationinnovation.com.au
