Business bootcamp gets youngsters excited

BUSINESS SAVVY: Isaac Price, Isabella Patrick and CJ Bradley speak about their 'Student App' idea.

Coming up with a business idea and plan in seven hours is a tough task especially when you're working with people you've just met.

But 61 Year 11 and 12 high school students did exactly that over the weekend at the 5 to 5 business bootcamp held by Building Clever Companies (BCC).

Students from Palmerston North Boys' and Girls' High Schools were tasked with forming teams, picking an idea, developing a business plan and validating the product or service with the public of Palmerston North.

BCC facilitator Dave Craig said the aim of the event was to get students enthusiastic about business.

"We realised in Year 11 and 12 schools don't teach a lot about business so we're wanting to get students excited ... and it's impressive the amount that can be done in a condensed time frame."

The final pitches revealed an array of ideas, many in app form, ranging from a memory foam pillow with a heater/cooler function to a video game that enables the player to level-up and gain points through completing exercise.

A panel of four judges quizzed each team after their pitch.

The winning idea was the 'Infofit' - an electronic wristband that measures the wearer's hydration levels. The judges agreed the device was a great idea and had potential to expand and include other features such as measuring blood glucose levels to assist diabetics.

Palmerston North Girls' High School student Lueni Havea was "really nervous" when giving her pitch but says the experience was worthwhile.

Mr Craig said the BCC would like to expand the event next year to include more local schools.