| Azaraimy HH |
THE best technology-based business ideas of the 2015 IGNITE Entrepreneurship Challenge were crowned yesterday after an intense competition between the finalists.
Coming in its 8th edition this year, the IGNITE Entrepreneurship Challenge is a business plan competition formulated by the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) to generate a pipeline for tech start-ups at the iCentre.
The finals at the new Design and Technology Building in Anggerek Desa yesterday saw an amazing array of plans that have big industry potential.
The competition was divided into two categories – Open and International.
Walking away with the $25,000 prize money were the Open Category winner – a group of students who came up with a product called ‘SGRA’, which is a technology device that can be fitted in vehicles and dispatch instant notification to relevant rescue agencies in the event of an accident or emergency.
This category’s second and third prizes went to Nurture Enterprise and NewGate Plus respectively.
The International Category, meanwhile, was won by Inncee, a solo finalist from Singapore.
BEDB Acting Chief Executive Officer Hajah Hasnah binti Haji Ibrahim in a group photo with the 2015 IGNITE Entrepreneurship Challenge winners, judges and other distinguished guests
Open Category and $25,000 prize winners
International Category winner Inncee, a solo finalist from Singapore, receiving her prize. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI
According to one of the judges, Soon Loo, all the finalists – not just the winners – have a long journey ahead of them but can surely hit it big.
He said losing in the competition should not in fact discourage the other participants, adding that “the real journey is not about whether you get a prize or not, it is how you are going to make it in the future”.
Presenting the winners with their prizes was Hajah Hasnah binti Haji Ibrahim, BEDB Acting Chief Executive Officer.
The IGNITE Entrepreneurship Challenge was first launched in 2008 as a business plan competition which seeks to identify promising “technoprenuers” with the ability to create innovative ideas or products that solve global problems.
It serves as a platform for identifying, nurturing and showcasing emerging entrepreneurs.
With its theme of ‘Your Journey Begins Now’, the contest also provides participants with an opportunity for the projects to be further developed with the iCentre’s Incubation programme.
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