Better together concept inspires winning business ideas

A solution to the issues New Zealand dairy owners are facing took out the Most Viable Business Award at the Soda Inc. Innes48 Start-up Competition at Wintec last night.

The winning team, Creative Dragons, wasted no time in identifying and responding to the major issues facing local convenience stores – being robbed, low margins and long hours. Their solution, C&D Box, a cooperative concept, responded to the theme of the weekend 'better together’ by putting store owners together to benefit from better security through technology, group buying and support.

Creative Dragons received $10,000 from platinum sponsor Wintec. The team included students and graduates from Wintec and the University of Waikato, graduates from Wintec’s tertiary partners in China and academics from Chengdu University of Information Technology.

However, it was a local team, Brown & Down Boys, that stole the show. This family team consisted of father and son, Edward (Ted) Pogai, and son Christian-Lee Pogai (12 years old) and their friends Livi Hirawani (15 years old), Adam Williams, Porourangi Gudgeon and Maari Renee Moke.

Brown & Down Boys took out the Peoples’ Choice and the Best Pitch awards with an Airbnb style concept to respond the issues New Zealand marae are facing to maintain their facilities. Their concept, an authentic tourism experience for participating marae, won the hearts of the audience and judges alike through its sharp and at times, witty delivery, combined with a great idea designed to create “win-win” partnerships.

Winners of the Most Innovative Idea, team Casually Yes, developed Hook Me Up. This business idea aims to  bring the fishing community together through a web-based programme to hook anglers up with boat owners and create a more valuable fishing experience.

Soda Inc. chief executive Erin Wansbrough said the weekend had been a gripping journey for the fifteen teams and everyone involved was "better together" for it.

“Wowing the judges or even taking part in this “fail-fast” “learn-fast” competition takes a lot of passion and creativity, and demands innovation which the teams this year showed in volumes.”

“By expanding our thinking, we go beyond competition, as competing is not the best path to success. Challenging rather than collaborating, can lead to demise.

“The theme, ‘better together’ positively influenced the start-up ideas developed by these 15 teams. Their ideas address the issues of a modern world and respond through taking a collaborative, community approach,” she said.

Judge, Roanne Parker announced the six teams that had successfully made it through to the final.  She expressed on behalf of the judges that they were impressed with the calibre of each of the business ideas, with many being world class.  She did stress however, for all of the teams that it is important for start-ups to aim higher. 

“In a small market like New Zealand, the long tail is pretty short, so think bigger, take opportunities, knock on doors. We’re so proud of you, this experience is extraordinary and remember 98 per cent of entrepreneurship is aspiration.”

The judges for this year’s competition were Roanne Parker, founder and managing director Calibrate Digital Marketing, Robert Stone, founder New Zealand The Innovation Nation, Chip Dawson, executive board Member NZ US Council and Campbell Gower, chief cook and bottle washer Phil & Teds.

Judge Bob Stone gave some sage advice at the end of the night for current and future competitors to consider.

“Next year, we’d like to see more women” he said. “Think big, it’s a big world and you can conquer it.”

The Soda Inc. Innes 48 Start-up Competition was made possible with the support of: Wintec, Gallagher, ASB Bank, Waikato-Tainui, LearningWorks, University of Waikato, Callaghan Innovation, Deloitte New Zealand, Fieldays, Norris Ward McKinnon, NetValue, Hamilton City Council, Chow:Hill, Good George Brewing and Loveblock Wines.

Find out more about Soda Inc. here.

Read Yes you can create a business start-up in 48 hours 

Read Bootcamp for start-ups tests entrepreneurial skills to the limit.

Read Four extraordinary entrepreneurs to judge national start-up competition.