High school students from across Kelowna prepared for months for the opportunity to present their business ideas at the 31st annual Innovation Generation (iGen) competition.
The hard work, innovation and research the students put into their projects was on display June 11, as the eight teams of finalists took the stage in front of a packed room and a panel of judges at the Okanagan Innovation Centre.
The eight finalists had to beat out all other competitors to secure the opportunity to compete for the grand prize.
The eight teams of entrepreneurs competing for the $3,500 top prize were:
- Glistening Gifts (Bryn Nelson) Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥“ Local goods in a customizable basket.
- iTutor Friends (Brayden Jarrad) Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥“ Online tutoring platform.
- Deskables (Hayden Kruggel, Alexander Reister) Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥“ 3D printed desk organizers.
- Illumi Hangers (Taia Botha) Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥“ Light-up hangers for quick backstage costume changes.
- Seraphic Stationary (Tanav Goel, Griffin Hendry, Yuvraj Dosanj) Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥“ Waterproof, tear-proof notebook made of rock paper.
- Amiga (Zoe Wiens, Lauren Munro) Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥“ Babysitting online platform
- Pro Performance (Ty Bunn, Caisen Dodd) Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥“ Palatable protein drinks
- Melody Mural (Annabelle Lee, Sydney Blackmore) Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥“ Custom album covers
Seraphic Stationary from Rutland Secondary School took home the grand price of $3,5000. Second place and $2,500 was handed to the Pro Performance team from Mount Boucherie Secondary School, and third place was awarded to iTutorFriends from Okanagan Mission Secondary School with a prize of $1,500.
The award for Best Market Research along with $900 was presented to Amiga.
The four remaining finalists walked away with $400.
"All teams deserve recognition for their hard work and outstanding presentations," said Justin Schneider, the communications advisor with Central Okanagan Public Schools.
To learn more about iGen visit