Bright young minds showcase sustainability ambitions at UCNL’s Eco-Preneurs event

UCNL was overflowing with entrepreneurial flair, as a selection of learners came together as part of the inaugural Eco-Preneurs event.

Launched with the aim of providing young people with a platform to express their thoughts and plans in relation to shaping a sustainable future (in line with the UN’s sustainability goals), participants presented a respective range of ideas to an expert panel, devised of local business experts and members of DN Colleges Group.

Students from Baysgarth School, Sir John Nelthorpe School, Options Barton and the Engineering UTC Northern Lincolnshire all took part on the day, with prizes on offer for ‘Innovation, Honourable Mention and Overall Winner’.

From mobile aquariums to microplastic waste transformations, there were a plethora of engaging and captivating proposals on display, as each group spoke passionately in the campus Chambers Lecture Theatre.

Casting their eyes over each pitch were that aforementioned judging panel, with Michaela Sams (Business Hive Advisor at E-Factor Group), Jordan Brompton (Tech Entrepreneur and Investor), Danny Fenwick (Deputy Principal of DN Colleges Group) and Darryn Stamp (Director of School: Business, Teacher Training, Humanities and Social Sciences at DN Colleges Group) all taken aback by the expertise and professionalism on display.

Ultimate decisions on award winners really required added levels of scrutiny – an extended period of deliberation amongst the judges only went to further reflect and reinforce this.

However though, each and every individual who pitched an idea, showcased their passion for a sustainable future, which is ultimately the real winning bi-product of an event such as Eco-Preneurs!

Collective prizes were then presented to those involved, as an acknowledgement of the hard work on display.

Jay Blackburn, Programme Leader for Business & Management at DN Colleges Group said: “We were absolutely blown away by what the students created and how they applied themselves to the competition!

“The idea behind this concept is that of project-based learning, and students clearly took this on board, and all worked outside their comfort zone. We were so happy to support students on their entrepreneurial journey, and hopefully widen their outlook on what business and work look like for the future.” 

Award winners

Innovation Award: Engineering UTC Northern Lincolnshire

Honourable Mention Award: Options Barton

Overall Winners: Baysgarth School