Wellington Entrepreneurs Top Diamond Challenge 2 Years in a Row

Their groundbreaking invention, the "i-Container," is poised to revolutionise food storage solutions. This cutting-edge device helps users determine whether leftovers in their refrigerators are still safe to eat, tackling the pervasive issue of food waste.

"Our inspiration for this idea came from a meal where we wondered about the amount of food that we didn't eat," explained the young innovators. "This led to us researching food waste, and ultimately, we created a smart container that can easily tell you whether the leftovers in your fridge are still good. Food waste represents 30-40% of the total food supply, and we hope this device will help make a dent in this global problem."

The Diamond Challenge, established in 2007 and now expanded to 126 countries, aims to empower the next generation of global innovators by providing a platform for high school students to develop and pitch their entrepreneurial ideas. Participants submit a concept narrative and a 1-minute video, and the top 10 finalists in each location are invited to present their ideas to a panel of judges.

The competition demands rigorous research, collaboration, and creativity. This year, Wellington pupils not only took the top spot but also secured second place in the Nanjing finals. The runner-up team, comprising Tiffany, Lena, and Liyang, impressed judges with their innovative presbyoptic screen protectors, devices which correct users' presbyopia on digital screens, eliminating the need for glasses – a solution inspired by observing a grandparent's struggle to use a mobile device while fumbling.

Wellington teacher Tarra Behr, a mentor and teacher of both teams, expressed immense pride in their achievements. "I'm very proud of both teams this year; they both worked hard and had amazing ideas," she said. "The Diamond Challenge is a great way for pupils to apply their learning in real-world contexts. This competition allows pupils to push themselves outside their comfort zones, conduct research at various universities, discuss the feasibility of their ideas with organisations, network with other entrepreneurial students, and pitch their ideas to a panel of judges."

As Elyse and Anyo prepare to compete against national winners from around the world, their dedication and innovative spirit shine a spotlight on the potential of young Wellingtonian entrepreneurs to drive meaningful change. 

So when you open your fridge today and see those questionable leftovers, remember that there is a team of determined students working diligently to solve this problem and contribute to a more sustainable world.