Tech Stars Start Up shine bright

Some of the region’s brightest budding business brains have been put through their paces at a Tech Stars Startup Weekend.

The first event in the new Marlborough Research Centre attracted about 50 keen entrepreneurs who were split into nine teams.

And with a range of help on offer, the weekend could mark the start of something big for those who made the most of the opportunity.

It was a great chance to see what ideas had real potential says Business Trust Marlborough general manager Brian Dawson.

“It was a rollercoaster but definitely a success.

“For the best of them, Business Trust and [Angel Investors Marlborough] work with the team to see if there is a real business opportunity – not let an opportunity slip away.

“There are some amazing ideas and very talented individuals and teams.

“People need to follow their dream.”

Former Marlborough Boys’ College student and head boy Angus Pauley, 25, returned to the region to help.

He says the initiative was geared to help those keen on finding out more about beginning a business.

But it was not for the faint hearted, says the programme facilitator who now works for a non-profit in Dunedin.

“It helps people get to success or failure faster and to spark interest and encourage people that might get into entrepreneurship for the first time.

“For individuals to learn about starting up through doing. Rather than a course, you go through the process.”

For 54 hours, teams worked through putting their business ideas into practice.

From a card game for teenagers to a live tracking system for freight, ideas were at the forefront of the weekend’s efforts.

Team Why created a card game to help bring shyer teenagers out of their shell.

Emma Blackburn, Nicola Baker, Hannah Lamb, Zhao Rainbow, Pali Singh and Sarah Lamont say their game was geared to sparking interest.

“Our idea is a card game aimed at teens aged 13-18 – to create curiosity and get them to ask, why?” says Emma Blackburn.

“Each card has a question, an activity and the answer. It’s immediate practical reinforcement of learning aimed at shy or anxious children who might not usually ask why.

“Science, engineering, history – the questions cover a variety of topics with the idea of developing interest.”

Team member Sarah Lamon says the level of support on offer really helped.

“For me, it’s been an eye opener – I’ve taken in so many things over these two days. Watch this space.

“All the mentors have given up so much time. They’ve been approachable, motivating – the support has been awesome.”

Team Intrack, Conrad Fourie, Craig Douglas, Jonny Lewis, Thomas Devereux and Maegen Blom created a live tracking platform for freight.

The system uses GPS for live updates rather than relying on barcodes, says Maegen.

“Packages currently have barcodes that get scanned. Our idea uses GPS tracking to get a live view for where your package is.

“It’s been challenging and thought-provoking. I’ve enjoyed myself.”