Teams of 8th and 9th graders from three Hamburg schools pitched at a competition organised by the educational initiative SEEd. With their consistently strong performances, they showed that the city's up-and-coming startup generation is in good shape. The winner was a project to save food.
Girl power at the pitch
The abbreviation SEEd stands for Social Entrepreneurship Education and refers to an initiative that aims to introduce pupils to entrepreneurship with social-ecological responsibility in workshops. The program also includes pitch competitions such as the one on June 29 at betahaus in Hamburg's Schanzenviertel district. Gymnasium Ohmoor, Heinrich-Hertz-Schule and Erich-Kästner-Schule sent a total of ten teams into the race. With two exceptions, all participants were girls - which gives hope for an increasing quota of women in the future startup world.
The ideas presented were largely based on experiences that the pupils had made in their own lives. In preparation, the teams had conducted market research among their families and friends and in some cases even developed prototypes. Thematically, two focal points could be identified: Concepts against stress and for more social participation, and measures against food waste.
Great ideas for more cooperation and less waste
One example is the "Help Each Other" project, which combines both topics. Eddy Rodriguez, Leana Köhler, Nirell Behrendt, Kiara Vinueza and Isla Knafla want to organise events for people in need and cater them with rescued food. Sustainable is also the name of the game at "Greenhorizon." Jenna Magnus, Frieda Dybus and Liam Leuschel presented a flowerpot made of bioplastic. Both teams are receiving startup advice to further develop their ideas.
This also applies to the duo Selina Becirspahic and Livia Korte from "Rejuiceable". As the main winners, they will also receive team coaching. The two convinced the top-class jury with Smoothies from bio waste of supermarkets. Often, fruits and vegetables are just thrown away because they don't meet exaggerated aesthetic standards.
