Honda has announced a two-year partnership with Energy Breakthrough, becoming the lead partner for the country’s most renowned hands-on STEM program. The partnership is a direct investment in powering the dreams of more than 3,500 Australian school students.
Students will design, build, and test the next wave of innovative vehicles, in what is proof that the future of mobility isn’t just being built in a global lab; rather, it’s being imagined in an Australian schoolyard.
The partnership aligns Honda’s founding spirit of innovation with Energy Breakthrough’s 30-year legacy of fostering ingenuity in young Australians. “This partnership is an active collaboration to inspire and enable future problem-solvers.”
Those words are from Eva Barrett, general manager of brand, marketing and customer experience at Honda. “It reflects Honda’s core belief in the Power of Dreams and our mission to help people achieve their potential,” she added.
“By providing a platform for hands-on STEAM learning, we are investing in the young minds who will shape Australia’s future.”
For more than three decades, Energy Breakthrough has challenged students from more than 100 schools to apply real-world engineering, design, and teamwork skills. The program is a cornerstone event for regional communities.
It culminates in a spectacular showcase in Maryborough, Victoria. Energy Breakthrough spokesperson Nigel Preston praised Honda’s involvement in the program, calling their support vital in uniting students and volunteers through innovation.
“For over 30 years, Energy Breakthrough has been about building more than just vehicles—it’s about building skills, confidence, and community.”
The program has a star-studded half of fame, with famous alumni including Formula One star Oscar Piastri, professional cyclist Chris Hamilton, AFL player Hugo Ralphsmith, and 2018 Commonwealth Games Road Race Champion Steele Von Hoff.
That list also includes 2025 AFL Grand Final winner Kai Lohmann. “The skills I developed during my time in Energy Breakthrough were invaluable,” he said.
“It wasn’t just about building a vehicle. It taught me loads about teamwork, resilience, and creative problem-solving under pressure.”
The 2025 Energy Breakthrough event, powered by Honda, will take place from Wednesday 19 November to Sunday 23 November in Maryborough, Victoria.
