Article summary: An opportunity for students to take part in a programme where they think of a product to solve one of modern lives challenges.
On Thursday 12th February, we hosted our fifth Apprentice Vs Dragons’ Den Final. This programme gives students from local schools in the area the chance to take part in a project where they’re challenged to 'think of a product that solves one of modern life’s challenges'. It’s always exciting and inspiring to see what these bright minds come up with, how they interpret a modern-day problem, and how their ideas grow into something so carefully thought through.
A large number of schools entered the competition, and we were delighted to shortlist and welcome the following four teams to the final -
Bio Jab | Toynbee School
This team designed a biodegradable syringe that not only helped the environment with tackling waste but also supported individuals with phobias of needles. This syringe would utilise air pressure to inject. The team took us through a detailed model of their product discussing how it'll work, what materials would be best plus they even made a 3D model of the product.
Mindbloom | Toynbee School
Is a mental‑health app designed specifically for young people aged 11–18. Helping students/ young people who don’t feel comfortable talking about their mental health, it has a daily journal, AI chat support and optional professional help.
Cheque It | The Portsmouth Academy
As designed and developed an educational app that helps young people build their financial understanding and practical life skills through age‑appropriate lessons and interactive tools. It highlights gaps in young people’s knowledge and explains how the app supports them with guidance on spending, taxes, mortgages, and other essential real‑life topics.
Smart Spend - Horndean Technology College
The team designed a money‑saving app designed to help users compare supermarket prices, plan meals and find the best deals. It combines price‑comparison tools with community features like posting and discussing offers, alongside planning functions such as meal and journey planners, to help people save both time and money.
Each team was given 15 minutes to present their idea on stage to both the audience and a panel of dragons. During this time, they walked everyone through their project from the initial concept, through design and production, and finally to the business plan. This setup allowed each group to really dig into every part of their idea, sharing how it first came about, how they chose their logo and overall look for the product, and how they would market it and bring it to life in the real world. They were also able to explore a wide range of other important elements, from pricing and target audience to the research that shaped their decisions.
This evening was delivered to a panel of dragons and several of Solent’s leaders. The dragons’ role was to listen to each project, ask questions, and then, at the end of the night, judge and decide our winners. We welcomed the following dragons:
- Fiona Stilwell - CEO at PETA
- Kelly Sunderland - EU HR & Training Director & Site Manager at PEI Genesis
- Cameron Moore - Brand Manager at Mipa Paints and a current PETA apprentice
- James Sessions - Chief Financial Officer UK at Prysmian Group
- Tony Mason - Vice President & Group Financial Officer EMEA at PALL Europe
All students did a fantastic job, and we were genuinely amazed at how confidently they presented their ideas - especially considering they were only between 13 and 15 years old. Not one of them let nerves get the better of them and every team stood on stage and delivered their pitch brilliantly. They should all be incredibly proud of themselves, and we are pleased to share that the winners from the night are -
- Overall Apprentice Vs Dragons' Den Winner - Bio Jab
- Most Original Concept - Bio Jab
- Best Presentation - Mindbloom
- Best Business Plan - Cheque It
- Best Design - Smart Spend
In summary, the evening was a wonderful celebration of creativity, teamwork, and innovation. The standard of ideas was exceptional, and it was inspiring to see how passionately each team approached the challenge.
Check out our highlight video from the night here:
