A QLD high school student’s idea to supply fresh produce to regional and rural towns has picked up substantial tech innovation prize.
Seventeen-year-old, Digby Dunbar’s Mad Greens business idea earned him $3000 in prizes at HACKCQ, held in Emerald last month by the Central Highlands Development Corporation (CHDC) and River City Labs.
The year 11 Marist College student pitched his concept of growing micro greens, and eventually fruits and vegetables, under controlled conditions inside shipping containers.
The produce could then be sold on to local eateries and food stores.
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Mr Dunbar said he was very excited to win because it meant a huge step in the right direction toward his goal of becoming a future farmer.
“Participating in HACKCQ was great. There were so many brilliant-minded people who I learned so much from and the mentors were absolutely wonderful, they helped me out a lot,” he said.
First prize was a $2000 voucher from LawSquared. The third-place winners donated their prize, a $1000 marketing package partly donated by Studio Elevenses, to Mr Dunbar.
“Digby blew away the mentors - and everyone else in the room - with the passion and research that he’d put into his pitch,” CHDC acting general manager Sophie McMaster said.
“He’s come up with a fantastic idea and it’s clear that he has the talent and determination to bring it to reality.”
More than 30 people attended HACKCQ, the youngest being 11 years old.
Mr Dunbar, who lives with his family on a property near Emerald, has already arranged to sell his produce to an Emerald restaurant and hopes to eventually take his concept to a franchise level for other areas.
“In a lot of regional towns, their greens have had up to five days’ travel but with shipping containers based locally, they could have produce that’s only been harvested hours earlier,” he said.
Anyone interested in supporting Digby Dunbar’s business plan can contact him on 0402 560 663 or digbydunbar2017@gmail.com.
Second place went to Jorunn Lorenzen’s team, who came up with the idea of Newsley – a one-stop, online regional news platform run by the people, for the people. The prize was a $1500 voucher partly donated by Bentleys accounting and business advisory firm.
“It was such a thrill to have locals from all walks of life working together to unearth and explore so many amazing business ideas,” Ms McMaster said.
“Our great team of mentors were also fantasic in sharing their knowledge and really inspiring and motivating the participants.”
