Young Startup Wins on the Big Stage

Students from Kempsey Adventist School have taken out the Youth Category at this year’s StartUp Coffs Coast final live pitch competition.

The students ‘Real-time Learning’ project is based on two mobile apps that they designed, built and prototyped.

The apps capture the readiness of students to learn before each lesson and help the teacher to tailor the day’s classroom techniques from that information to improve overall learning outcomes.

“Winning this award acknowledges the students hard work and determination to design and build technology solutions, not just be consumers of technology. It also acknowledges their ability to work together as a team, bringing together different skills ranging from design, coding, digital media and communication,” said Vanessa Baywood, Deputy Principal of Kempsey Adventist School.

A Coffs Harbour City Council initiative, StartUp Coffs Coast is the biggest startup event on the Mid-North Coast and facilitates innovation and business growth across the region.

Council’s Section Leader, City Prosperity Fiona Barden said that she was excited to see the introduction of the Youth Category as part of Startup Coffs Coast this year.

“The eagerness and excitement of the students was incredible to watch; they came up with fantastic ideas that have real world applications. We are excited to be helping to develop the next generation of Startups,” she said.

The winner of the open category, Suzanne Douglas said that building her innovative medical device Vesticam had been a huge project for her team.

“What a wonderful opportunity it was to pitch our new product, Vesticam, at the 2019 StartUp Coffs Coast competition. Vesticam is a Mid-North Coast company developing an innovative and accessible device to help with the diagnosis of causes of dizziness, vertigo and balance disorders.”

“The generous cash prize will support injection moulding our patented design prototype in Australia.  The incredible education, mentoring and membership prizes will further support Vesticam as we look to stage up from a start-up right here in Coffs Harbour,” she said.

For more information on the event or local startup support, go to www.6degreesco.com.au

Image: Students from Kempsey Adventist School have taken out the Youth Category at this year’s StartUp Coffs Coast.