What’s your Digital iDEA?

Here’s an iDEA…..

We all have that one big idea that we daydream about turning into a reality – and these ideas are often conceived when we are young, imaginative and less constrained by responsibilities. The digital age we live in also means we can start-up a business with just an idea and a laptop. Despite the fact that 55% of young people want to set up their own business, in reality just 14% are likely to do something about it.

That’s why HRH The Duke of York and Nominet Trust have launched iDEA, an initiative that supports 14-25 year olds in developing their great ideas into a successful digital business venture. Entrants will gain essential digital enterprise and entrepreneurial skills through the competition and can further develop these skills through our online library of industry endorsed badges. The three winning business ideas in the competition will be awarded £15,000 funding and accelerator support for further development.

“Today, digital skills incorporating computing, coding and marketing are a baseline requirement to succeed in almost every career path. Whether a young person aspires to be a fashion designer, a doctor, a solar engineer, or a musician, digital and entrepreneurial skills are essential to success.” iDEA Board member will.i.am

The iDEA pilot finished up on Wednesday with the final round of judging held at Salesforce Tower, London. 10 teams from mixed backgrounds presented their business ideas to a panel of industry judges and three teams claimed victory: Digimeals, Upshot Entertainment and Whatleads.to. HRH The Duke of York was also present at the event and sat it on the judging.

“It was inspiring seeing these talented young people present their ideas at Salesforce Tower. They brought a great energy to the room and their pitches were impressive by any business standards.” Philip Kenley, Conductor of all Things Fun and Meaningful, Salesforce.org.

“It’s incredibly important that we passionately support the young people in our community and look for ways to help them develop enterprise and digital skills from a individual and corporate level with our Foundation program.  I act as the executive sponsor for the program and have the great honour to sit on the iDEA advisory board to really help drive the Salesforce vision of supporting iDEA and our youth.  I had a great idea that got me here and #iamin.  What’s your idea?… join us and share in the excitement.” Melissa Di Donato, VP, EMEA and Asia Pacific, OEM & ISV Programs at Salesforce.

Over the next 6 months upwards of 50 Salesforce employees will give around 750 hours volunteer time to the project; using their knowledge of business and the latest technology trends to act as judges for the initiative and to give mentoring support to the teams that progress to the latter rounds.

“Through our 1-1-1 model of integrated corporate philanthropy, the Salesforce.org offers our technology, financial resources and time to help non-profits achieve their missions. We are proud to support the iDEA programme to provide tomorrow’s generation with the tools to succeed.” Isabel Kelly, Senior Director, International, Salesforce.org.

Find out more about iDEA at: www.onemillionyoungideas.org.uk. Or watch http://bit.ly/1wAvnzq