A portable MRI scan X-Ray tool and healthy eating app are just some of the business ideas pitched by Year 10 Marian College students as part of the three-day Young Enterprise BP Business Challenge programme last week.

The students worked in teams of eight to come up with solutions to problems and to pitch a product or idea to a panel of judges.

 
Participating student Alexandra Van Wieren explained each group was appointed a CEO and then students decided amongst themselves who would be in charge of finance, marketing, productions and strategy.
"Once we settled into our roles, we set off on our missions to create an amazing product that would not only solve a worldwide problem but interest our judges - a panel of CEOs and successful business people," says Alexandra.

The winning business was "SafeScan", led by CEO Georgia Woods, which proposed a portable diagnostic tool with MRI scan and X-Ray capabilities for use at sports games and practices, and in the medical field. The judges liked the group's use of technology and described the presentation as smart and effective. Second place went to mental health app "Spout Health" (CEO Malaika Sequeira) and healthy eating app “KAI” (CEO Ruby Allan) came third. 

Alexandra, who received the Innovative Leadership Award, said she thoroughly enjoyed the three day programme.
"We all learned so much about ourselves and others, and that we all apply our work ethic differently."
The hands-on learning event creates opportunities for students to develop their skills, engage with local business people and learn how a good business works. The programme covers learning in English, Mathematics and Statistics, Social Sciences, Digital Technology and Commerce subjects. 

Article added: Tuesday 04 December 2018