Taj Pabari
Taj Pabari is an Australian entrepreneur. He is the chief executive officer of the Australian School of Entrepreneurship, a social enterprise that helps develop the entrepreneurial skills of school students, young entrepreneurs and anyone aged 5 to 21 years with a passion for innovation. The organisation aims is to provide every young person with the skills, resources and mindset they need to start their very own business. Over 30,000 young Australians have participated in their programs.
Taj was named the 2017 Queensland Young Australian of the Year and The Australian Young Innovator of the Year for 2014. Pabari is best known for his work in youth entrepreneurship and the future of work commentary.
Biography
Pabari was born in London, England and moved to Brisbane, Australia at the age of one.He was educated at John Paul College and was frequently suspended during school. He became interested in business and started his first online business age the age of ten.
Pabari launched Fiftysix Creations in 2014 by selling do-it-yourself electronic tablets for kids. In 2016, Fiftysix Creations began running programs for indigenous students around Australia.
In 2020, Pabari joined the Australian School of Entrepreneurship as chief executive officer. The organisation delivers entrepreneurial education programs with the Queensland Government and Australian Government.
Pabari has appeared as an education commentator on The Today Show, CNBC and the ABC. He has given two TEDx talks and has been a featured speaker at the World Science Festival alongside Nobel laureate, Brian Schmidt.
Awards and nominations
In 2014, Pabari won The Australian Young Innovator of the Year Award, an award given to the most exciting innovator and emerging talent. The category was presented by then Assistant Treasurer, Senator Arthur Sinodinos in Canberra, Australia. In 2017, Pabari won the Queensland Young Australian of the Year Award in Brisbane, Australia. He is the youngest recipient of the award since its formation in 1979.| Year | Award | Category | Result |
| 2017 | National Australia Day Council | Young Australian of the Year | |
| 2017 | National Australia Day Council | Queensland Young Australian of the Year | |
| 2017 | Westpac | Business of Tomorrow - Top 20 | |
| 2016 | Queensland Government | Community Digital Champion | |
| 2015 | Foundation for Young Australians | Young Social Pioneer | |
| 2014 | The Australian | Young Innovator of the Year |