Big Ideas Youth Challenge

A couple of weeks ago I was fortunate enough to be invited to judge at the Big Ideas Youth Challenge 2009. A North East based competition for Young People under the age of 20 with Software/ICT related business ideas. Together with Stuart Varrall of Fluid Pixel Studios, we presented to a group of young entrepreneurs (14-16 years old) about setting up digital/game related businesses. We then got the opportunity to view the ideas from each of the groups and I was absolutely shocked by what I saw!

The quality of the ideas was amazing, they really knew about technology including quite modern advances such as Bluetooth 3 and Active RFID. Additionally, some groups had functional prototype to demonstrate the software components of their ideas. Even the Graphical Design work was also far beyond what I had expected for that age group; I would be happy with them designing some of our marketing materials!

In the evening everyone was given a chance to relax with a quiz and I’m proud to say that my team won BOTH ROUNDS :-) but unfortunately I can’t say it was because me. My general knowledge has much room for improvement but fortunately they made up for my weaknesses.

On the Second day the judging began with each team delivering a 20 minutes pitch and they were all excellent: well structured, well delivered and covering all the key points – better than many pitches I have seen by real businesses. After some difficult judging the winners were selected and prizes awarded (laptops, a trip to Microsoft, and a trip to BT). Regardless of which group won, I honestly believe they all have bright careers ahead of them and I think the future is in good hands.