BOP Industries out to inspire next generation of entrepreneurs

THE next big tech entrepreneur could be in a Queensland classroom — and some cool technology is being used to coax them out.

QUEENSLAND high school students are finding out it’s never too early to become an entrepreneur.

Scott Millar, himself barely out of school, has been running a business since he was 14, and now heads up holographic events and marketing business, BOP Industries, at 18.

And he is sharing his experiences on a statewide tour to unearth the state’s next Bezos, Zuckerberg or Jobs.

Brisbane-based Mr Millar reached 12,000 students with his inaugural workshops last year, and he is now bringing a dozen facilitators on board to enhance the program, which is set to go national in 2019.

He said the team was gladdened to see schools and students serious about taking education into the 21st century.

“The work that regional schools and students are doing is truly exceptional,” he said.

Scott Millar of BOP Industries explains his holographic technologies to students.

“We’re seeing students in Rockhampton using new and emerging technologies to create marketing campaigns for their farmers; students in Hervey Bay tackling youth unemployment; and students in Cairns diving into the exciting world of e-commerce.”

Mr Millar said just an important as digital and creative skills was the ability to make a sales pitch.

“We will be teaching students about technology with a focus on creativity, entrepreneurship and storytelling, to ensure they can work with technology and then communicate and commercialise their ideas,” he said.

Mr Millar started BOP Industries as part of a school business project, selling keyrings at local markets.

The company now sells holographic displays for events and marketing, as well as providing the educational workshops.

BOP Industries benefited from this year’s Collider accelerator program at Brisbane startup incubator QUT Creative Enterprise Australia, and the young entrepreneur is looking to expand into international markets.

Originally published as BOP Industries out to inspire next generation of entrepreneurs