Solent University announce entrepreneur competition winner

By Stephen Emerson

11 July 2022

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A 3D bespoke service marine industry firm, Other Skies, received £10 000 capital injection as a result of having won a Solent University competition.

Mitch Wisniewski a BA (Hons) Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) Solent University graduate won first place in The Business Pitch.

The runner up of The Business Pitch was Benjamin Warrington of Wellbeing First. The firm addresses wellbeing challenges in primary schools. 

Both the winner and runner up also received invitations to participate in NatWest's Accelerator progamme. Other Skies and Wellbeing First, will now benefit from one-to-one coaching, a programme of thought leadership and events, access to a network of like-minded peers, and focused expert support from NatWest.

The Solent University competition included a product pitching process. That panel included Dragon's Den star Theo Paphitis. Other business experts on the judging panel included Chancellor of Solent University, Lucy Findlay MBE, Managing Director Social Enterprise Mark CIC, and Lakbir Singh, Head of Group Operations Planet Education. 

Mr Paphitis said: “This is a fantastic prize. Projects like this provide start-up businesses with an incredible step up, giving them access to mentors and support during a crucial stage of their business, which I’m sure will be of great benefit.” 

Competition winner Mitch said: “This award will give us the room to be creative and the space to experiment. It will allow us to accelerate the business and create a strong brand. I’m looking forward to using the money to get out there and meet our customers.”

Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Karen Stanton opened the event welcoming students, alumni, judges, and local business representatives. The six finalists had ten minutes to 'sell’ their idea to the expert panel, with a three minute pitch, followed by a Q&A session from the panel.  

“Huge congratulations to all the finalists, they really were incredible. This investment opportunity is part of the key activity the University carries out in supporting student success, and levelling up through successful enterprise and sustainable business growth.

"Solent has a rich history of encouraging, supporting and driving entrepreneurship and innovation, whether through degrees, or Masters, Help To Grow Management for SME business leaders, apprenticeships or higher technical qualifications. We believe that this opportunity will give Mitch and his business the space to breathe, grow and succeed and we will keep in touch with Other Skies and our other budding enterprises.”

The six finalists pitching for the top prize were:

 · OTB Vendors - Automated drinks vending machine - Patrick Songore 

· Everessence - Virtual dressing instore experience - Alexandru Solca /Renato Solca 

· Wellbeing First - Education software - Benjamin Warrington 

· LuLu Events - Events planning - Lucy Maynard 

· Other Skies Ltd - 3d web studio for the marine industry - Mitch Wisniewski 

· Aianx Technology - AI optimisation platform for vessels - Reza Abusaidi 

By Stephen Emerson

Stephen Emerson is the Managing Editor of The Business Magazine and is responsible for the publication's print publications and online properties including the newly launched Biz News websites in Hampshire and Dorset.

Stephen has been a journalist for 20 years and has worked at local, regional and national publications and led a team which made The Scotsman website one of the fastest growing news sites in the UK with over eight million monthly users.

He has a keen interest in technology, property and corporate finance and telling the stories of the people behind the successful firms in these sectors.