Nev’s perfect pitch
Surfer wows prince to win start-up contest
GOLD Coast surf icon Nev Hyman has taken a major step towards fulfilling his dream of addressing housing problems worldwide.
Yesterday he won over a crowd at St James’s Palace in London, including the Duke of York Prince Andrew and investment heavyweights, to be crowned the global winner of the Pitch@Palace start-up competition.
The contest aims to “provide a platform to amplify and accelerate the work of entrepreneurs”.
Mr Hyman entered to promote NevHouse, which turns recycled plastic and other sustainable materials into low-cost housing.
He has received a massive boost to the profile of NevHouse thanks to the Pitch@Palace win, which he hopes will open doors when seeking crucial funds to fulfill his vision.
Mr Hyman – the founder of the Nev Future Shapes and Firewire Surfboards businesses – told the audience he had a concept that made sense for business and the environment.
“I love the ocean. But we have a problem. The problem is plastic. And we also have another problem – the desperate need for affordable shelter around the world,” he said.
“What is the biggest business on the planet at the moment? I believe it is affordable housing.”
He said his company has developed a solution: a closed loop, “waste to house to energy solution” whereby the plastic waste was turned into panels that could be used to make homes.
Mr Hyman was a finalist along with fellow Gold Coaster Alisha Geary. She is an indigenous Bond University graduate, and the founder of Faebella.
The luxury activewear brand features indigenous art and aims to share the cultural history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a contemporary way.