Hackney students reach final of business competition
Finalist of the Big Idea Challenge - Credit: Archant
An ethical clothing range and a biodegradable card company are two of the business ideas competing for the top prize at a UK enterprise competition.
The projects are also the work of students from two Hackney colleges, which together have five finalists.
Rock of Eye, founded by Hackney Community College student Temi Adeyemi, takes unwanted clothes, breaks them down and turns them into high fashion.
Shuab Barkhadle, Carol Magaya and Idris Oniyide, of BSix college in Upper Clapton, are the team behind Seed Card – biodegradable cards containing seeds.
Also from BSix comes Table Pad, the brainchild of Sanjessen Chinan, Elvir Nezic, Jailine Cordova, and Josselyn Valarezo, which allows restaurant customers to order directly from their seats.
A third and final BSix entry is Skill Swap, an app devised by Alejandro Bedoya, Carmen Clipa, Arold Guenman, Urooj Inam Mohammed allowing students to learn from each other.
Hackney Community College has also produced Realise, by students Geirthana Nesathurai, Mendel Cyprys, and Mariam Haji. It is a platform to help people who have an “Einstein moment” but lack the skills and funding to realise the idea.
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The students will compete against finalists from eight other colleges in the capital to win a mentorship, website and cash prizes.
Hackney Community College teacher Miranda Gay said: “The challenge is a wonderful opportunity for students from a broad range of subjects to engage with business ideas.
“Our students had a great time at the workshop and are excited about taking their ideas to the next stage of the competition.”
To watch the finalists pitch their ideas and vote, visit bigideachallenge.co/finalists/. Voting closes on April 21 and the winner will be announced on April 28 at the awards night in Old Street.
