Young tech innovators wow in pitch event
On a sunny Ōtautahi afternoon, three incredible teams of primary students participated in Pitch @ Te Ōhaka. In front of an audience of fifty people, they pitched their ideas in a fun Dragon’s Den style and received feedback from Canterbury Angels – Canterbury region’s angel investment network that helps young companies grow. Questions were then opened to the audience of local tech industry people and teachers.
We were so blown away by the passion and smart ideas of these young innovators that we wanted to share their pitches with you, in their own words.
PITCH ONE
Odette Ala’alatoa-Dale, from Māngere Bridge in Auckland, pitched her idea for an amazing robotic sieving device to clear up the waterways in her community. (Odette originally came up with this idea as part of She Can Code 2020).
PITCH TWO
The team from Bromley School in Ōtautahi pitched their Samoan Language learning app. After their much-loved Samoan language teacher left their school, they wanted to continue to learn Samoan. Students Amelia Abohay, Azariah Abohay, Leonie Bradbrook and Jeremiah Laufiso were supported by teachers Mandy Dempsey and Mele Togiaso.
PITCH THREE
Ava Heath Williams, from Merrin School in Ōtautahi, pitched her informative and fun Scratch game that demonstrates good health and safety practices in a global pandemic. (Ava originally came up with this idea as part of She Can Code 2020).
The event was co-hosted by Code Club Aotearoa and Canterbury Angels, and held at Te Ōhaka – the home of early-stage startups in Ōtautahi. An important aspect of the event was to grow opportunities for the next generation of Pasifika tech innovators – a group that is underrepresented in technology education and professions.
Canterbury Angels are going to provide continued support and mentorship to the teams to grow their innovations further. After giving their pitches and answering questions, the teams were interviewed by Kea Kids news. Thank you to all the organisations involved for helping us grow opportunities for youth in the tech community!