Two first year students from Lancaster University Management School won the top prize in their category at the recent Tech Skills UK Tech Titans competition 2022.

LUMS’ undergraduates Komatsu Fujimoto and Mario Uesaka, who are currently studying for BSc Management and Information Technology degrees, pitched their business idea live during the Tech Titans Competition on 16 March, hosted by TechSkills UK – a not-for-profit organisation that brings together employers and educators to develop the digital talent needed by industry. LUMS' BSc Management and Information Technology degree is accredited by TechSkills and gives students the chance to attend TechSkills events and conferences, and benefit from networking opportunities with employers.

All student attendees were challenged to come up with ideas of how they would invest one million (virtual) pounds in their business idea, to either develop a products or service which would return a great investment - both financially and in terms of improving society.

Komatsu and Mario worked on a pitch for their idea, ‘Kibolink’ - a Bluetooth network which enables education for children where infrastructure is lacking or compromised– such as in developing countries where schools can’t be built easily, countries in conflict or facing crisis in the form of extreme weather events or natural disasters. Their proposed tech solution overcame educational barriers and involved a much smaller financial investment than building new schools or establishing internet connections from scratch.

The LUMS students impressed during their live pitch to judges - which Mario had to attend virtually - and which took place at BT’s offices in central Birmingham. After their five minute pitch and Q&A session, they were declared winners of the first year category and handed a trophy and £500.

Luke Pilfold-Thomas, Tech Skills UK Board member and judge said: “The Kibolink team articulated the vision with confidence. We were all very impressed.”

Commenting on the competition, Mario Uesaka said: “Techskills brought me a huge advantage by participating in it. It challenges you in many ways - whether you can come up with a creative idea, then your communication skills and working with teammates.”

Komatsu Fujimoto said: “It has been a thrilling experience to participate in this competition and nurture some valuable skills. I'd also like to thank my advisor, Vicky, for her support which made this result possible.”

Vicky Metcalf is a Careers Coach in LUMS. She said: “There really is no better training for the a future in the tech-world than taking part in an event like this. Mario and Komatsu have pushed themselves to be creative, innovative, practical and methodical by proposing a solution to a very real and current issue. We always hope that our students will head off into the world inspired and capable change-makers and these two outstanding first years are well on that road. I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

Find out more about LUMS’ Organisation, Work and Technology department and our range of study options here: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/lums/our-departments/organisation-work-and-technology/