Some young people see the world not just as it is, but as it could be. Harrison is one of them. 

At seventeen, he has already designed his own lighting concept, built early prototypes, presented his ideas to industry professionals and been recognised as a WA Innovators of the Year: YEA Young Innovator of the Year finalist. 

His journey shows what becomes possible when a young person has curiosity, courage and a learning environment where they can explore what inspires them. 

Discovering an environment where he could thrive 

Before joining IDEAcademy, Harrison moved away from mainstream high school and continued his education through online learning. It was the right environment for him at that time, giving him space to regain confidence and learn in a way that felt comfortable. As he grew older, he began looking for something more. He wanted opportunities to collaborate, connect with others and work on real projects where his ideas could take shape. 

His family began exploring different options and came across IDEAcademy. At first, Harrison was unsure. He was used to learning independently and the idea of joining a new community felt like a big step. But after visiting, talking with the team and seeing what was possible, he decided to give it a go. 

Andy, IDEA’s Campus Manager, remembers those early days clearly: 

“Harrison arrived at IDEAcademy feeling disillusioned by school and unsure that our approach could really work for him. What we saw over time was a young person who found his people, rebuilt trust, and backed himself, not by rushing, but by taking opportunities at his own pace and letting his strengths grow.” 

With support from staff, mentors and fellow students, Harrison gradually built confidence, settled into the Perth campus and found himself part of a community where everyone brought their own story, strengths and direction. 

“Everyone was there for similar reasons. It made things easier. I became more comfortable and more confident.” 

He went from being quiet and cautious to being someone who could travel independently, speak about his ideas with pride and even present at events. 

Andy describes this transformation as powerful: 

“He came in with big ideas and a side hustle already in motion, and he leaves with the confidence and adaptability to share those ideas clearly, take feedback on board, and keep shaping them into something real. Harrison’s growth captures the IDEA journey at its best.” 

Where Lighthouse began 

Harrison’s project, Lighthouse, started the way many good ideas do. With curiosity. 

He remembers a moment at home when he began imagining new ways that natural light could move through a space. A conversation with his dad sparked something deeper. From there, he began researching, sketching and building. 

He explored fibre optics, lenses, energy flow and cost saving systems. He studied how light behaves and experimented with different materials. He built early models, tested them, rebuilt them and kept refining. 

“All the science behind it exists. It was about finding my own way to make it work.” 

With every iteration, he became more confident in the idea and in his ability to bring it to life. 

What mattered most was not the first prototype or even the second. It was the persistence. It was the willingness to keep going because something inside him said this idea could matter. 

Where IDEA made a difference 

Throughout his time at IDEAcademy, Harrison talks warmly about the people who supported him. 

Mentors like Andy (IDEA Campus Manager), Nicole (IDEA Director) and Rebecca (IDEA Director) encouraged him to explore his ideas, helped him think through problems and offered guidance when he needed it. 

“They gave me tips and advice, encouraged me to research and supported me even if they did not fully understand the technical details.” 

Rebecca, sees Harrison as exactly the kind of thinker the world needs. 

“Harri thinks differently, and that is what the world needs. People who think differently.” 

The learning model gave him time to work on Lighthouse as part of his project. It gave him the space to learn at his own pace and the confidence to keep developing his skills. 

IDEAcademy did not create his curiosity. That was already part of who he is. But it did give him the structure, support and encouragement to grow it. 

The mentors and networks who helped him believe in himself 

Harrison speaks with real gratitude about the adults who stepped in at the right time. 

Rebecca connected him with a patent lawyer to explore how he might protect his idea. Staff members listened, encouraged and helped him build a portfolio that showcased his work. At the award ceremony, he met judges and industry leaders who saw potential in both him and his project. 

“So many people came up to me and said they thought the idea had real promise. That meant a lot.” 

He was introduced to people in engineering, manufacturing and design who offered small pieces of advice that created big steps forward. 

Each of those moments helped him see that Lighthouse was not just a project. It was real. 

Applying for Young Innovator of the Year 

When Harrison applied for the Young Innovator of the Year award, it was a moment of courage. He knew the idea mattered to him, and he wanted to see how it would stand alongside the ideas of other young people across the state. 

Becoming a finalist gave him a sense of validation and direction. It encouraged him to keep learning, refining and building his skills. 

More importantly, it helped him realise that other people saw potential in his idea too. 

What comes next 

Right now, Harrison is exploring further study in 3D design, engineering and computer-aided design. He wants to develop professional-level skills so that Lighthouse can move from concept to engineered product. 

“I am hoping to build a proper prototype. I want to learn 3D design and work with people who can help me take it to the next stage.” 

In five years, he hopes to have 
• a refined design 
• a functional prototype 
• a clear development plan 
• and possibly a patent to protect his work 

Most of all, he hopes Lighthouse will contribute to more sustainable ways of lighting buildings by reducing electricity use and making better use of natural light. 

A message to other parents and young innovators 

Harrison’s journey is a reminder that young people flourish when they are given space to explore what interests them, supported by adults who believe in their potential. 

He did not have a straight path. He had moments of uncertainty and moments of clarity. But he also had persistence, imagination and the courage to keep taking the next step. 

For any parent wondering what their young person might be capable of with the right environment, Harrison’s story offers a simple message. 

Given time and the right support, young people can surprise even themselves. 

And sometimes, they create ideas bright enough to light the way for others.