2021 Generation Innovation Challenge: Sunshine Coast’s youngest entrepreneurs list their big ideas

They are the next generation of entrepreneurs expected to drive the Sunshine Coast’s economy. Today, they share their big ideas. TAKE THE POLL

2021 contestants of the Generation Innovation Challenge Shelene Bailey, Arno Mens, Charlie Bidgood, Josiah Monas and Alyssa King

The Coast’s brightest young stars have put forward their million dollar ideas in this year’s Generation Innovation Challenge.

The competition is aimed at Coast residents, aged between 15 and 25, who would like to see their idea turned into a reality with the help of mentors and Coast business members.

The GI Challenge is a peer-on-peer challenge with the winner receiving a $10,000 prize package to help launch their dream business.

With this year’s GI Challenge underway, we take a deeper look, in no particular order, at the top 11 ventures from our Coast superstars.

Parsabot – Cale, Zayne and Shelton Tomlins

Cale and Zayne Tomlins have entered into the 2021 GI Challenge with their idea of Parsabot. Picture: Bruce Haggie

“Our idea is to create a service that keeps people‘s information safe and private,” they said.

“The problem this GI venture seeks to address is the growing problem of identity theft.

“To address this issue, the venture has an idea for a service which highlights breached online services linked to email addresses; showing passwords, login details and private identification data.”

Siren Ray – Alyssa King

Alyssa King has entered into the 2021 GI Challenge with her idea of Siren Ray. Picture: Bruce Haggie

“My idea is to create a sun-safe yet fashionable headwear range for surfers and swimmers,” she said.

“The problem this GI venture seeks to address is the high risk of skin cancer among surfers and swimmers, who typically avoid sun safe headwear when in the water.

“To address this issue, the venture has an idea for a trendy yet functional range of headwear.”

Travelator – Lincoln, Niel, Max, Hein

“Our idea is to connect influencers and tourism businesses in order to allow both to reach more customers,” they said.

“The problems this GI venture seeks to address are the lack of cost-effective marketing solutions for tourism businesses and the lack of monetisation opportunities for travel influencers.

“To address these issues, the venture has an idea for an affiliate platform to connect influencers and tourism businesses, allowing both to grow their businesses.”

Sunshine Coast Pulse Therapy – George Carpenter

George Carpenter has entered into the 2021 GI Challenge with his idea of Sunshine Coast Pulse Therapy. Picture: Bruce Haggie

“My idea is to improve the health and wellbeing of horses through pulse therapy,” he said.

“The problem this GI venture seeks to address is hard-to-detect soreness and injury in horses, which can lead to slow recovery times and poor performance.

“To address this issue, the venture has an idea for equine electromagnetic therapy.”

Purpose Plastic Homes – Shelene Bailey

Shelene Bailey has entered into the 2021 GI Challenge with her idea of Purpose Plastic Homes. Picture: Bruce Haggie

“My idea is to supply affordable and sustainable tiny homes to the homeless,” she said.

“The problem this GI venture seeks to address is homelessness and the growing real estate crisis on the Sunshine Coast.

“To address this issue, the venture has an idea to supply transportable, low-cost, tiny homes made from recycled plastic to those needing temporary accommodation.”

DJI Media – Dylan Iorlano

Dylan Iorlano has entered into the 2021 GI Challenge with his idea of DJI Media. Picture: Bruce Haggie

“My idea is to create a dynamic digital agency,” he said.

“The problem this GI venture seeks to address is the lack of affordable creative solutions for small businesses and e-commerce start-ups.

“To address this issue, the venture has an idea to supply digital marketing services to small businesses.”

Anarchy Fashion – Lachlan Holloway

Lachlan Holloway has entered into the 2021 GI Challenge with his idea of Anarchy Fashion. Picture: Bruce Haggie

“My idea is to empower individuals through jewellery,” he said.

“The problem this GI venture seeks to address is the lack of reliable and unique jewellery.

“To address this issue, the venture has an idea to supply a convenient and diverse range of fashion options to allow individuals to build and express their personal style.”

LED Plates – Arno Mens, Charlie Bidgood, Josiah Monas

Arno Mens, Charlie Bidgood and Josiah Monas have entered into the 2021 GI Challenge with their idea of LED Plates. Picture: Bruce Haggie

“Our idea is to create hi-tech, light-up ‘L’ and ’P’ plates for learner drivers,” they said.

“The problem this GI venture seeks to address is the lack of visibility, usability and durability of currently available ’L’ and ’P’ plates for learner drivers in Australia.

“To address this issue, the venture has an idea for a Bluetooth-enabled, light-up LED alternative to existing ’L’ and ’P’ plates.”

Make it to Morning – Brogan-Lee Gingell

Brogan-Lee Gingell has entered into the 2021 GI Challenge with his idea of Make it to Morning. Picture: Bruce Haggie

“My idea is to create a horror survival game,” he said.

“The problem this GI venture seeks to address is the lack of affordable and enjoyable gaming experiences.

“To address this issue, the venture has an idea to develop an affordable point-and-click fangame to the popular game series ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’.”

Growbag – Millie Gallacher

Millie Gallacher has entered into the 2021 GI Challenge with her idea of Growbag. Picture: Bruce Haggie

“My idea is to reduce plastic pollution and improve garden health by providing an alternative to single-use plastic plant pots,” she said.

“The problem this GI venture seeks to address is excessive plastic waste in the gardening industry.

“To address this issue, the venture has an idea to develop a biodegradable calico growbag that is better for the environment and the plant.”

Otaku Lounge – Isaac Hooper

Isaac Hooper has entered into the 2021 GI Challenge with his idea of Otaku Lounge. Picture: Bruce Haggie

“My idea is to create a gaming and anime cafe,” he said.

“The problem this GI venture seeks to address is that many gaming and anime enthusiasts lack confidence and feel isolated.

“To address this issue, the venture has an idea for a physical gaming and Anime cafe where like minded young enthusiasts can socialise, game and share experiences together in a safe, supportive and fun environment.”