Business backs new generation
It’s my belief that one of the sustainable goals of business should be to support, encourage and inspire our young talent in schools and universities.
Community involvement is already a sustainability goal of course, but it’s easy to forget that graduate unemployment levels mean that many of our potential future leaders feel stressed about work prospects and undervalued by employers.
That’s why it was great to see Ports of Auckland, Beca and Yealands step up to be corporate sponsors of the ‘Solve It’ challenge, run by the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Auckland University’s Business School.
Nineteen teams of students entered for a chance to win a share of a $24,000 prize pool.
Companies often ask how they can stay relevant and communicate what they do more effectively to a younger generation. So it makes sense to simply ask them directly.
Ports of Auckland (PoA), asked for ideas around potentially disruptive technology, such as drones, 3D printing and robotics.
‘‘We know we need to explore the impact of disruptive technologies, so we can build a sustainable port that enhances social, environmental and commercial outcomes,’’ said PoA CEO Tony Gibson.
‘‘By partnering with the Centre, we can learn so much from the talented young people who are the future leaders of New Zealand.’’
The winning team, called MAZEC picked up a $5,000 prize by focusing on building the profile of Ports of Auckland with the people of the city, by providing creative spaces to hang out in, open access to the Port’s data, and investment in the younger generation.
Gibson said their ideas could have practical application. As Centre director Wendy Kerr said: ‘‘Our sponsors find the students’ solutions are unbridled by the constraints of their organisations.’’ Congratulations all round.