Imagine you could wear gloves while cycling that indicate the direction you are turning when your arm is raised.
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Year 9 Ballarat Grammar students Ruby McIntyre and Heidi Rupp are the bright minds behind this innovative idea to improve safety for cyclists.
The pair pitched their idea to a judging panel of industry leaders at the Ballarat Tech School on Thursday night as part of the 2019 Upstart Challenge.
It's extremely encouraging to support an increasing number of inspired, creative young changemakers, determined to make a positive impact both locally and globally.
- Jenny Perks, Upstart Director
Their product idea, named the Go ON Glove, was chosen as the winner of the pitch night, taking out the Young Entrepreneurs of the Year Award, $1000 seed funding, tech prizes and business startup support.
Year 11 Bacchus Marsh Grammar students Josh Wallace and Alex O'Mahoney were awarded both the Runners Up and People's Choice prize for their project pitch called the Tooth Tracker.
Their idea for a device that monitors the level of plaque and the health of teeth as they are brushed was awarded an $800 prize.
Other student pitches included reusable metal straws with Aboriginal art designs, an eco gym that harnesses the energy from equipment to power the gym, and eye drops that have UV protection replicating sunscreen for the eyes.
Commerce Ballarat chief executive Jodie Gillet, Ballarat Tech School director Sofia Fiusco and Upstart director Heather Kelly formed the judging panel.
"In a region that promotes innovation it's extremely encouraging to support an increasing number of inspired, creative young changemakers, determined to make a positive impact both locally and globally," Upstart Director Jenny Perks said.
The Upstart Challenge is an entrepreneurial startup program offered by Upstart HQ, an education charity that has been running in Geelong for the past seven years.
It was established in response to the region's transforming economy and the need to better prepare young people for the changing employment landscape and jobs of the future.
The program launched in Ballarat in 2018 and has grown to nine schools enrolled in the 2019 program where students had the opportunity to develop their entrepreneurial skills.
Previous winners have gone to showcase their idea at the Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship, the regional Pivot Innovation Summit as well as other pitch nights throughout Victoria, according to Upstart HQ.
School registrations for 2020 Upstart Challenge program are open now.
Visit upstarthq.com.au for more information.
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