PINZ CDT Dragon’s Den Net-Zero Challenge
Left: PINZ CDT PhD Researchers following the Dragon’s Den Net Zero Activity
Front row, l to r: Mohammad Hosseinpour, Abdul Samad, Aditya Tiwari, Alex Bradley, Kudzai Chiwara, Vaishnavi Jambhorkar, Aarcha Kalluparambil, Max Atkinson and Abubakar Kuburi; Back row, l to r: Kypros Iavokou, Sam Bury, Annabel Bowkett, Louise Amor-Seabrooke, Ben Chapman, Zuhair Ali, Robyn Haley, Amy Lumsdon, Salome Usakuhyel Raymond
Right: Dragon’s Den Net-Zero Prize Winners
L to R: Abdul Samad, Aditya Tiwari, Abubakar Kuburi, Alex Bradley, Vaishnavi Jambhorkar, Kyle McLean, Aarcha Kalluparambil & Max Atkinson
PINZ CDT PhD researchers from Newcastle University and the University of York recently put their innovation and communication skills to the test in a Dragon’s Den-inspired Net Zero Challenge.
This interactive training activity introduced the researchers to the fundamentals of pitching net-zero research and technology ideas to potential funders and investors. Working in small teams, they identified a climate or net-zero challenge, proposed a potential technology or research-based solution and prepared a short funding pitch.
Inspired by the popular Dragon’s Den format, each team presented their idea to a panel of judges, demonstrating not only the technical merit of their concepts but also the potential for real-world impact.
Prizes were awarded for the most convincing / investible pitch, for the biggest potential climate impact and for the most creative idea.
The challenge provided students with valuable experience in translating complex research into persuasive, audience focused pitches – an essential skill for securing support for future net-zero solutions.
Congratulations to the prize-winning teams
Most convincing / investible pitch: Max Atkinson, Aarcha Kalluparambil, Abubakar Kuburi
Biggest potential climate impact: Alex Bradley, Vaishnavi Jambhorkar, Kyle McLean
Most creative idea: Aditya Tiwari, Abdul Samad
Special thank you
Special thanks to our judging panel of experts: Dr Anna Zhenova, Founder & CEO of Green Rose Chemistry; Dr Jonathan McDonough, Lecturer in Process Intensification at Newcastle University and Dr Ryan Siddall, Innovation and Partnerships Manager at Newcastle University.