The Henley College hosted a Dragons Den-style event this week where students pitched their ideas in front of a panel of industry leaders and an invited audience, including leaders from Microsoft, HM Staffing, and Zzoomm.
The event was a culmination of over 1000 students across the college who participated in ‘The Start Up’ Challenge, a project delivered as part of the students personal and professional development. Showcasing innovative and creative ideas across a range of industries the students presented on a number of ideas from sustainable fashion to clean energy.
One idea that stood out was Paper Planes, a company that aims to help those with a fear of flying by offering origami modelling as a stress-relieving activity. The company plans to use social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to reach its target audience.
Another noteworthy presentation was from Designs4U, an app that helps users style their clothes by searching for sustainable and affordable clothing items. The company's slogan, "Create vibe or colour," tied in well with their visually engaging proposal. The ambitious valuation for the start-up impressed judges, who praised the presentation as engaging and involved.
TechChalk, a product that offers anti-sweat chalk applied to fingertips, was presented by Charlotte as a solution to help people with anxiety and depression. The chalk comes in lavender and peppermint, providing a comforting experience. The company's in-depth analysis and research impressed Harry Portch from HM Staffing, who saw the product's potential in the gaming industry.
Thames Hydro, which provides hydroelectric clean energy, was presented as a concept that powers the royal estate and 500 local homes near Windsor Castle. The idea was praised for its use of existing technology and affordable and reliable energy source. Clean Energy expert Gareth Hawkins praised the presentation for its ambition and students passion for finding a way to contribute to a commitment of reaching net zero carbon emissions.
However, Compost Community, an idea which supplies compost bins and bags and collects and distributes them to eco-conscious audiences, received positive feedback from William Buist, a senior business leader and mentor. He suggested partnering with councils for waste collection and emphasising the problem the company is solving.
Overall, the Dragons Den-style event showcased the impressive entrepreneurial skills of the students at The Henley College. From sustainable fashion to clean energy, the ideas presented were innovative and creative, with potential to make a significant impact in their respective industries.
Other ideas presented included Duologue, with their motto “Live, Laugh and Learn” about using performing arts to improve presentation skills, and "Petcare," an ethical and inclusive initiative aimed at spreading knowledge on nutrition and exercise.
Ultimately, the winner of the Dragons Den event was "Compost Community" an initiative focused on promoting composting in the community. The project aims to supply compost bins and bags, collect, and distribute compost, targeting eco-conscious individuals. The presentation impressed the panel of Business Speakers, including Lady McAlpine, who stated: "Brilliant! Quite inspirational. If only Richard Branson was here, he would have picked that idea up and flown with it!"
Ty Sterry, Head of Careers and Enterprise said "
It’s been a brilliant experience for our students to meet with our industry partners and showcase the skills they have been developing as part of our Personal & Professional Development Programme.
Connecting students thinking to the world of work and the employability skills they will need is a key piece of the work we do. I know our industry guests today have seen talent from across the college who have wowed them with entrepreneurial ideas such as products for mental health support, digital projects to improve Gap year experiences and products that help nervous flyers like myself!
Chair of Governors Mike Ashton said, "This has been an outstanding event in which we saw bright young people who are a credit to themselves and to The Henley College and have exciting futures ahead of them."
The Dragons Den event at The Henley College showcased a wide range of innovative and impressive ideas, all with the potential to make a real impact in their respective markets. Congratulations to the winners, "Compost Community" and to all the participants who demonstrated their entrepreneurial spirit and creativity.
