Entrepreneurial students proved they have what it takes to become the business stars of tomorrow at a ground-breaking, round-the-clock enterprise challenge in Caerphilly.
Undergraduates from all corners of the world took part recently in a 24-hour lock-in at the Welsh Innovation Centre for Enterprise (ICE) based on Caerphilly Business Park.
The students were all bidding to win £2,500 in seed capital, part-funded by San Francisco-based data firm Objectivity Inc.
Five students based in Wales and Birmingham are set to launch their first real business after the winning team wowed judges with ideas for a new mobile application offering TV viewers more information about the programme they are watching via their smart phone and other devices.
Carey Wallace and Nia Wyn Rossiter of Cardiff University, Peter Allan of Swansea University, Tony Kosta of Birmingham University and Abdiellah Madi from the University of South Wales are now united in ensuring their ‘personal information optimiser’ is turned into a real business venture using their winnings.
Abdiellah Madi, 29, comes from Jordan and is studying in South Wales.
He said: “It was really an incredible experience taking part in the 24-hour lock-in. We learned so much more than we expected in terms of technical background and even socialising was great, in addition to the high spirit of the competition and challenge.
“Our plans are still in development, but we are certainly aiming to create an outstanding and competitive product, and will meet with Welsh ICE co-founder Gareth Jones over the coming weeks to discuss the opportunities and funding issues involved.”
Team mate Toni Kostanic, a Croatian undergraduate based at University College Birmingham, added: “Taking part in 24-hour lock-in and winning has been a great experience for my personal development and a chance to make real connections.
“I hope as a team we will bring this project to life with the support of Welsh ICE.”
The contest took place on May 17 and provided participants with expert tuition.
Teams competed over a non-stop, 24-hour period with help from ICE mentors, and their supporting business partners, and learned the creative and business skills they will need to achieve their goals.
Gareth Jones, Welsh ICE co-founder, said creativity and inspiration is at the heart of everything ICE does.
He said: “These are the key characteristics of the 40-strong business start-up community Welsh ICE has created since opening last summer.
“It is something we are dedicated to promoting as far and as wide as possible.
“Those involved in the competition were both surprised and delighted with not only the support this event received from both the student and business community, but also with the calibre of business ideas that came out of the competition.
“Now all those who took part, especially the winners, will be supported by Welsh ICE in every way they can to make all these great business ideas a reality wherever possible.”