Two NSCAD University students broke new ground when they recently took part in a Spark Zone new product pitch competition.
The competition is hosted annually at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, however this year marked the first time NSCAD students took part. Wenjing Yan and Matilda Shapland represented NSCAD at the event, competing against students from a number of Nova Scotia-based universities.
“It was wonderful to have NSCAD’s voice included in this event. It provided an invaluable counterpoint to the other ideas on show,” said Paul Maher, Director of Teaching and Learning, NSCAD University. “We would like to congratulate both students on their ability to execute very professional pitches and to also thank them for showcasing their ideas at the competition.”
Yan is in her final semester of studying in the jewellery program at NSCAD. She presented on her tech enabled interactive jewellery design called CDE. Shapland presented a pitch based on her business, Madzmod – a fashion label which modifies pre-loved garments to create stylish and affordable items.
Each presenter in the competition had to make a three-minute pitch, followed by a two-minute Q&A with the audience. The pitch had to include financial metrics, such as a market share analysis, along with production, distribution and promotion costs. It also had to be entrepreneurial, while being compelling and inspirational in nature.
Yan and Shapland developed their pitches over the course of two months, creating products that serve as a customer experience solution for retailers.
The Spark Zone brings together students and community members to create, develop and ultimately launch business ideas and social innovations. Partners at NSCAD University, Saint Mary’s University, Mount Saint Vincent University, Nova Scotia Community College, University of King’s College, and the Atlantic School of Theology provide opportunities for people to connect and then nurture those connections as ideas become reality.