AWRC x UTC: inspiring future entrepreneurs
At the AWRC we are passionate about working with the next generation, aiming to educate about the importance of leading a physically active lifestyle and inspiring the younger generations to become involved in research and development. In July we were delighted to be invited to work with some incredible year 12 students from the University Technical College (UTC) at Olympic Legacy Park whilst they took part in Big Entrepreneurial Challenge. This was a two day event led by Future Leaders of Tomorrow amplified (FLOTa), in collaboration with the AWRC, Propel Team, 934 Talent, The Finance Collective, Decibel Sport Management and Hundo.
FLOTa aim to widen opportunities for the next generation by focusing on skill development, empowering students to recognise their strengths and unleash their creativity. This free, pilot event was supported by 934 Talent harnessing the expertise of their coaches and mentors to challenge the students with engaging workshops and keynote speakers. AWRC delivered a guest session showcasing some innovative technology which can be used to help measure and promote movement. We also provided mentorship from a broad range of specialists in health, business development, engineering, and physical activity to name a few.
On the top floor of the Landing Pad, overlooking the Olympic Legacy Park, inspirational workshops provided insight into emerging technologies, financial strategies and enhanced the teamwork and communication skills of the students. Support was given to develop the students pitching and presenting skills whilst mentorship from both 934 Talent and the AWRC staff challenged students to refine their ideas. Teams You’re It, Simal Sport, FitBud, Meal Mentor and Activ Circle battled it out in a dragon’s den style pitch and tough questions from the UTC headmistress Jess Stevenson and 3 experts from the AWRC. Students dazzled with their innovative ideas and outstanding use of time, all providing strong pitches and forward-thinking solutions to use technology to engage local young people in more physical activity.
The students all provided high quality, innovative pitches, making selecting only one winning team was very challenging. In the end the panel awarded FitBud the challenge winners, receiving a bespoke morphology experience at the AWRC, amazon vouchers and a prestigious trophy.
Feedback from the staff and students has been extremely positive. Students evolved on a remarkable transformation during the two days of the event, visibly transitioning from low confidence levels and being hesitant to speak in group settings, to confidently presenting as a cohesive team and celebrating achievements together following their pitches.
Then in October, students from the winning team visited the AWRC to complete a 3d scanning experience. This involved visiting the state-of-the-art morphology lab and experience both body and facial scanning technologies. This scanned imagery was then used to create a laser printed figurines of each of the students. This was a fantastic way to celebrate the students and provide a personalised insight into the work of the AWRC.
The AWRC would also like to thank the following staff for supporting Ryan Sylvester, Liam Humphries, Cath Holborn, Jen Parry, Claire Boot, Gail Phillips, Simon Goodwill, John Hart and Mike Thelwell.
Emily Newton is the AWRC’s Training and Education Co-Lead