Teenagers Prepare to Step into the “Dragon’s Den”

Over 100 Teenagers Prepare to Step into the “Dragon’s Den”

TAURANGA, Friday 25th June 2010: A new Dragon’s Den style competition for secondary school students has been launched to tap into New Zealand’s bright young business minds. 

The Young Innovator Awards (YiA), being run by Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty economic development agency Priority One, will see students submit their ideas to a judging panel made up of successful business people.

The winning students from each age group will receive a cheque for $1000 and the opportunity to be mentored by a businessperson.

The awards will be presented at the Western Bay @ Work launch on July 19, at which 2009 New Zealander of the Year Ray Avery will be speaking.

Entries close at the end of this month and already more than 130 online registrations have been received – double the number anticipated. 

The awards are part of Priority One’s INSTEP programme, which aims to increase the understanding of successful business practice through schools.

“We are thrilled with the level of interest so far,” says INSTEP manager Lyn Parlane.

“This is the first time YiA has been held and it’s very heartening to know we have so many keen, talented and innovative teenagers just waiting to show us what they’re made of.”

Judged on five criteria (creativity, innovation, communication, research and sustainability), the students are being challenged to show how they can make businesses more efficient and sustainable in the future.

“Inventing new products and services or modifying old ones through innovative ideas is the way of the future and those are the skills we want to foster,” says Ms Parlane.

This businesses supporting YiA will also benefit, as the competition helps develop traits they are seeking in future employees, she adds.

Students can compete in teams, or as individuals, in Junior (Year 9 and 10) and Senior (Years 11-13) categories.

Twitter and Facebook accounts have been opened to follow the students’ progress, with further information about YiA available at www.yia.co.nz.

Entries close on Wednesday, June 30, and judging will begin the following week.

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