iDEAStarter winners show creative flair

iDEAStarter winners show creative flair

It’s one thing to come up with an idea and another to demonstrate the know-how to make it a business reality.

Finalists of Auckland’s entrepreneurial competition, iDEAStarter, were put through their paces at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) last night in a dragon’s den style pitching event.

After tough deliberation, judges selected two winners across the competition’s two age categories.

iDEAStarter winners for 2018:

Ski Sock (15-18 category)
Helping ski enthusiasts carry their skis with an innovative carrying device
Team members: Emma Welte, Isobella Nicholls, Steffy Henry Albert, Eden Alter

MapMyCrop (19-24 category)
Providing accurate data for the horticulture sector using new technology
Team members: Jaskamalpal Barsa, Lue Reed

iDEAStarter is delivered by Auckland’s economic growth agency, Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development, which works to stimulate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship with a focus on creating quality jobs for all Aucklanders.

Judge, Wynona Dekker, CEO at the University of Auckland’s Unleash Space says a common theme that came through in the entries was the real emphasis on making people’s lives better; whether that be through health opportunities or creating fun environments.

“The wonderful thing about ideas generated by 15-24-year olds is that they haven’t spent an entire career becoming accustomed to risk and limitation, so they’re willing to have bold ideas.”

Auckland Councillor and youth advocate, Richard Hills, says the competition is a great avenue for young people to let their ideas grow, get legs and take shape.
He addressed the finalists saying; “Your ideas are what Auckland needs to be an inclusive and diverse city. It’s your ideas which will fix traffic congestion, restore and protect our environment, create new and interesting jobs, and change the way we do things today.”

ATEED General Manager Economic Development, Pam Ford, commended all those who entered iDEAStarter and congratulated the winners.

“It’s really important to support young people to dream, create and do – they are our future business leaders and exporters,” she says.

“iDEAStarter is a platform which gives budding entrepreneurs the mentors and tools they need to help them on their journey. We’ve seen impressive businesses built from previous competition winners, which shows that it really works to nurture talent from the outset.”

iDEAStarter winners each receive up to $10,000 in business start-up support, which includes:
• Nine-week entrepreneur programme with CO.STARTERS@AUT
• $1000 Scholarship from Massey University
• Accounting Mentoring from Chartered Accountants
• Accounting Software from Xero
• An AWESOME technology package
• Office space and membership at GridAKL offices
ENDS

© Scoop Media