Two groups from Moree Secondary College - MSC Gents and MSC Ladies - will take part in the 2020 Game Changer Challenge and explore tangible solutions for a real world wicked problem - isolation.

Hundreds of applications from NSW public schools were received for the Game Changer Challenge, which this year will be delivered as a colossal virtual event with seven semi-finals culminating in a grand final.

New England and the North West is well-represented among the 84 primary and secondary student teams announced as semi-finalists.

All teams will aim to solve the real world problem: "How might we use technology to bring everyone in our community closer together?"

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The student applications covered COVID-19 restrictions, including innovative ways to social distance and sanitise, cutting-edge technology like aerial transport systems, and new ways to ease social isolation, combat racism and build community for people with disability.

Department of Education secretary Mark Scott said today's students will solve the great challenges of the future.

"To flourish in this world they will need to be deep thinkers, critical and reflective, empathetic and creative," he said.

"The Game Changer Challenge aims to highlight and develop these future-focused skills."

The 84 student teams were judged into the semi-finals by a panel of Department of Education executives and design thinking and STEM advisers.

The judges were looking for the design thinking trifecta of desirability, feasibility and viability in the students' applications.

The teams selected for the 2020 Game Changer Challenge will attend an intensive workshop in the semi-finals from October 27 to November 13 where they will learn and apply the design thinking process to build on their video application.

The MSC Gents and MSC Ladies from Moree Secondary College will be joined by the other New England and North West semi-finalists : 'Bind' - Gunnedah South Public School; 'Coonabarabran Game Changers' - Coonabarabran Public School; 'Hobby Fun' - Tamworth Public School; 'Super Scooter' - Armidale Secondary College 'The D.I.S. Designers', 'The Language Helpers' and 'The Technoframe Inventors' - Tamworth Public School.

They will be guided through the process by expert facilitators and a series of videos produced with thought leaders in technology and innovation. Professional development in design thinking is available for teachers.

The winners of the seven semi-finals will be judged in a virtual grand final event for the title of 2020 Game Changer Challenge Champion on December 1.