Innovative pipe-fitting equipment, miniature gardens and a safety device for creel boats were among the winning ideas at the grand final of Inverness College UHI’s annual business competition.
Eight out of 15 finalists shared a prize fund of £5,000 after pitching their ideas to a panel of the region’s leading enterprise professionals.
Organised by Create, the college’s Centre for Enterprise and Innovation, the contest attracted 116 entries, including 80 from students across the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) partnership.
The top prize was won by Paul Beaulieu, 42, from Milton, Invergordon, for his pipe contour profiler, designed to improve fabrication and fitting.
More than 80 guests attended the final, where Matt Stevenson, managing director of Carbon Dynamic, was the keynote speaker.
Carol Langston, head of Create, said: “Once again we’ve been overwhelmed by the number of entries, which have come from as far afield as Orkney, the Isle of Lewis, Perth and Moray.
“Our judges were really impressed with the finalists’ pitches and the quality of their ideas, which really does show enterprise, innovation and creativity is thriving in the Highlands and islands.”
Inverness College UHI principal Chris O’Neil added: “Entrepreneurship is absolutely critical in today’s society and it should be recognised and celebrated.
“At Inverness College UHI, we encourage our staff and students to be bold, creative, take risks and push themselves outside their comfort zone.
“Entrepreneurial spirit and determination to succeed shone through and I can’t wait to see where that takes these finalists.”
