Invent | Create | Play
About us
Established in 2015 the award-winning The Creative Element (TCE) delivers unique, mold-breaking programs and events that help develop innovative thinking and skills for corporate clients and education programs for schools. See the Who we work with section below for details on our history of service.
We specialise in science and technology, art and manufacturing, educational pedagogy for training development, and promotion and events and management. We encourage and develop safe and supporting teams and environments for the those with neurodivergences, and disabilities both hidden and unhidden. Our CEO is passionate about inclusivity personally and professionally.
We can help:
If you’re seeking a unique way to disrupt and develop your organisational culture, wish to engage your staff, students or other stakeholders in a STEM industry skillset, or learn new skills in prototyping or design.
If you need a space to build a creative project, help learning a new skill, or need help making a prototype or bespoke item.
Contact us to discuss your needs today.
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CEO of The Creative Element (Jan 2015 - Present)
Engaged Australian communities and organisations in STEM.
Focused on empowering women and enabling adults with disabilities to engage with STEM.
Specialised in robotics and automation.
Developed upskilling and education programs in STEM for the RAAF, and children with a focus on enabling women and adults with disabilities.
Managed the EDGY AF program and created the Edgy AF innovation Accelerator for rapid Prototype development.
Program Manager for the Edgy AF program (2020 - Present)
Provided bottom-up innovation to the RAAF.
Installed bespoke labs on every RAAF base in Australia and an additional facility in Canberra.
Ensured the program encourages development of capability with a focus on sovereign capability and SME, industry, and academia engagement.
Founder/Program Manager for STEM Sells (2017 - 2018)
Federally funded program to get young women educated and interested in STEM.
Created a project-based program to rapidly upskill participants in hard technology skills such as web development, Arduino, C# and C programming languages, 3d printing, and metalworking.
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Canberra Women in Business Young Businesswoman of the Year - 2019.
Canberra Women in Business Finalist - Innovation Business Award and Young Businesswoman of the Year 2018.
Erica Hediger
CEO and Founder
Take us to your leader
Profile
I established the Creative Element in 2015 to invigorate Australian communities and organisations with the power of STEM and the innovative spirit. As a science nerd with numerous hidden disabilities and neurodivergences, I am passionate for championing the engagement of women and adults with disabilities in STEM, and providing them with the opportunity to immerse themselves in high-quality accessible programs and facilities.
I am a seasoned rapid prototyper and light manufacturer, and I have ensured that the Creative Element has the resources to offer extensive small-scale manufacturing, prototyping, and STEM education services for both adults and children.
Throughout my career, I have shown exceptional ability in curating and facilitating project-based workshops in various fields, such as electronics, 3D printing, woodworking, metalworking, CNC and laser cutting, CAD, light software development, and robotics. As a leader, I have steered my company towards empowering businesses through innovative tech-based solutions, developing vital upskilling programs for clients like the Royal Australian Air Force. I am a dedicated advocate for diversity in tech, focused on creating opportunities for women and people with disabilities. Contact me to discuss your needs or take a look at the range of services we offer, and the work we’ve delivered.
