The Pilot initiative, led by Education NZ and its Japanese partners, gives Kiwi and Japanese students first-hand experience conceiving business solutions that address the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Some 40 students were selected from over 4700 who are participating in The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme and collaborated in a three-day virtual exchange.

During this time students chose one challenge to address some of Japan’s pressing social issues, before designing and presenting a business plan in a ‘Dragons Den’ style pitch to judges.

The winning New Zealand team comprised of Benjamin Young from Tauranga Boys’ College, as well as Hamish Robinson from Napier’s Taradale High School, Daniel Blight from Nelson’s Waimea College, Kaiah Sherriff from Southland Girls High School, and Abirami Kabilan of Auckland’s Pakuranga College.

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