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Dallas Kete developed the H20-Yes water testing unit, which earned her the EMA Waikato Science and Technology Award, while Student Survival NZ app creators Kaleb, Olivia, Jack and Andy winning the Sky City Community Trust Award for third place.

YES involves students setting up and running a real business, creating, promoting and selling a product or service, conducting market research, planning, budgeting, taking and managing risk and turning problems into challenges.

The national awards remained top secret until the event.

YES Waikato-King Country co-ordinator Levinia Paku says the awards were a reflection of the high level of talented, business-minded students in the region.

"These teams are not only thinking outside the square to develop unique products, they are working hard to fulfil the requirements of running a successful business," she says.

Dallas' solar powered water testing unit enables people to test for bacteria. The small palm sized unit tests for total dissolved solids which will give the user an indication if the water contains bacteria, but not the specific strains.

One hour solar charge, provides 24 hours of power to the unit.

The idea for Kete's solar powered water tester came from personal experience with contracting water borne illness giardia from tap water in Hong Kong while on student exchange.

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