Bright Ideas Challenge Launches Next Phase

Bright Ideas Challenge Launches Next Phase

 1233 bright business ideas poured out of the Wellington region in the inaugural Bright Ideas Challenge.

“It is official, the Wellington region is a bright spot of innovation” says Nigel Kirkpatrick, CEO Grow Wellington.

“We were incredibly impressed with the calibre of ideas entered.  We knew there were great ideas out there but we have been overwhelmed by the quality and quantity of them.”

 “We received all stages of ideas, including dynamic initial ideas, ideas at research and development, prototype, or pilot and revenue generating stages” says Nigel Kirkpatrick.

Since entries closed on 25th June  2010 the Grow Wellington team have been individually calling each entrant giving them feedback on their idea and advice on  the best course of action to transform their ideas into a business reality.

“We have been speaking to people with ideas around Clean Technology that have the potential to contribute to a multibillion dollar industry; we have spoken to a 72 year old and an 11 year old; proving that age is no barrier to the entrepreneurial spirit.  We have spoken to hundreds of passionate, switched on people” says Nigel Kirkpatrick.

“It is really exciting to know that we have such a great community of innovative entrepreneurial people in our region”  says Mary-Anne Webber, General Manager, Business Growth.

The next stage of the Bright Ideas Challenge launches next week with a series of workshops. These will help entrepreneurs to develop a business case and revenue model, test market validation and competitive analysis, learn about intellectual property, governance, structure and legal requirements. There will also be opportunities to network with other entrepreneurs, business experts and Wellington investors.

“Connecting the ideas people with experts to help them develop business plans, facilitate investment opportunities and to inspire them to have the courage take their ideas to the next level is a key part of the Bright Ideas Challenge.  The innovation community in our region is very generous with their time and knowledge and have really got on board to support the entrants” explains Mary-Anne Webber, General Manager, Business Growth.

ENDS

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