Loughborough Learners have been flying the flag for the College on the international stage after winning two prestigious titles at the annual Gen-E Expo, a distinguished event showcasing young entrepreneurs.
After winning the title of UK Young Enterprise of the Year in May, where they impressed high profile judges including Anne, Princess Royal, students Dylan Bamford, Rosanna Collis, and Samuel Wilson have continued their winning was as they were named JA Europe Innovation of the Year for their cutting-edge new product. Individually, team leader Rosanna also took the celebrated JA Alumni Leadership Award, owing to her leadership skills, enthusiasm, and sustainable and responsible thinking.
Team Tiaki have been working on their product, chest insert protection specifically designed for women in sports for just under a year and have already won several accolades. Despite studying a variety of courses including HE Sports and Exercise Management, BEng Sustainable Engineering, and Business and Management, the trio came together to share their expertise and work as a team.
With support from Higher Education Manager, Iqbal Ullah, the team scooped five of the ten awards at the UK Young Enterprise Start Up Finals earlier in the year, securing their place at the international competition in Istanbul.
Celebrating Tiaki’s well-deserved successes, Sharon Davies, Chief Executive of Young Enterprise said, “Opportunities like this build real world skills, confidence, and an enterprising mindset that can make a massive difference to young people’s lives and futures.”
Ahead of the triumphant Awards ceremony on Thursday night, Tiaki undertook interviews with the main judging panel and with global courier company FedEx, as they were shortlisted for the Global Access Award for their ongoing emphasis on innovation and environmental sustainability. Rosanna also made the shortlist for the EY Young Women Leaders title.
Tiaki team founder, Rosanna reflected, “The prospect of such an opportunity truly underscores the significance of the week and fuels our drive to excel…it’s moments like these that remind us of the extraordinary potential we possess as entrepreneurs.”
Congratulations on such fantastic achievements, Tiaki. We are so proud of your entrepreneurship and innovation. We can’t wait to see what comes next!