Inspired by the hit reality show Shark Tank, where budding entrepreneurs pitch their inventions in front of a panel of investors for the chance to turn their ideas into lucrative empires, this past weekend the students of Pingo Space in Beijing pitched their unique inventions to a panel of judges.
I had the privilege of representing beijingkids as one of the panel judges, and spent an afternoon in absolute awe at the creativity, concept, and delivery of each team. The kids had one month to come up with an idea, form a company, design their invention, decide on their target market, and make their final presentation at Pingo Shark Tank.
These young entrepreneurs are all between the ages of 7 to 12, but their ideas were far beyond their years.
Eva and Alisa presenting their mini-hospital.
Eva (age 7), Alisa (age 9), and Jasmine’s (age 9) company TM created a mini-hospital that would dispense medicine as needed in areas where access to a hospital wasn’t readily available.
Iris (age 7), Linda (age 10), and King (age 9) created a seismic bed; when disaster strikes, the bed would automatically protect you from harm, provide emergency supplies, and call for help.
Tyler, Timmy, and Mark introduces their Super-T Robot
Tyler (age 8), Timmy (age 8), and Mark’s (age 8) company TTM created a Super-T Robot aimed at simplifying the lives of teachers. Their robot replaces the need for an actual classroom, offering online education, homework submission, and questions. To finish off their presentation, TTM’s Super-T Robot would offer three price tier models; the most basic one, while still offering the same features, would be given free to the less fortunate kids who without access to proper education.
These kids, while young, have a keen eye on society and are able to identify the missing pieces to better the world. The confidence and creativity they showed on stage this weekend gives hope to the future.
While Beijing has no shortage of after-school programs, there’s always a need for a program that fosters creativity, real-world entrepreneurial experience, and innovation. Sometimes it’s best to see the world from a kid’s perspective. Their vision of the world is unbiased or bound by the limitations of technology. It was refreshing seeing, from their perspective, what the world of tomorrow could be.
To get in touch with Pingo Space 平行国 and find out about this and the numerous other after-school programs available, contact them via WeChat by scanning the QR code below.
Photos: courtesy of Pingo Space
