York St John student wins award at Venturefest

The real life, mock-up elevator was created as part of investment competition Pitchfest, where companies spend one minute with a real investor trying to pitch their business idea. The term ‘elevator pitch’ was coined in the United States, and is based on the scenario of an accidental meeting with someone influential in an elevator. Yorkshire businesses pitching in the elevator had to get their ideas across succinctly in order to win a £5,000 cash prize and a package of business growth support.

Jack, who is in his second year at York St John, said: “One of the reasons I entered my design was to be able to attend Venturefest as it’s such a great chance to meet and talk to creative people. Knowing my design had been selected was a huge achievement for me and it was amazing to see my work fully realised as a complete concept. Being part of Venturefest has made me really push myself and see more opportunities for the future”.

York St John University is a long-standing supporter of Venturefest and had a stand at this year’s event.

The Yorkshire-wide festival of enterprise was run by Make It York, the city’s destination organisation, whose managing director Steve Brown,said: “We were delighted to recognise Jack’s elevator design and we’re keen to continue offering opportunities for students to be involved in putting York at the heart of business in Yorkshire. Venturefest has created a real buzz this year and investors have been talking to businesses of all kinds with some great ideas”.