Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) prides itself in taking learning experiences beyond the classroom, and over the past 20 weeks, 17 teams of 40 DCB students participated in the very first Dulwich Startup Warriors Programme, a real-world entrepreneurship competition similar to that of the television show “Shark Tank.” The students’ goal was to showcase their creative inventions and savvy business plans to convince the judges to invest a hefty RMB 10,000 of seed money in their vision.
The competition culminated in the Bullpen of Champions, where the top 10 teams presented their business ideas and products.
From biodegradable phone cases to AI fact-checkers and sustainable children’s clothing, the diversity of ideas was truly inspiring.
Partnering with Singapore-based EdTech company Ascend Now, the program provided a platform for students to develop their entrepreneurial skills under the guidance of seasoned mentors.
Mr. Stephen Kaye, Senior School Deputy Head, academic, and co-organizer of the Dulwich Startup Warriors Programme, shared how proud he was of how the students have grown throughout the program and that he looks forward to what they can achieve in the future. “The students learned the fundamentals of what it takes to start a business in terms of knowledge, skills, and, most importantly, mindset. Over the six months of the program, our students have developed tenacity, resilience, and creativity in the face of adversity. I hope that as these students grow older, they will be able to use what they have learned to better our school, the local community, and the wider world.”
Ms. Zhen Liu, a former senior executive of Bytedance, a DCB parent, and one of the competition’s “sharks,” shared how impressed she was with the students’ well-structured presentations, which showed their keen understanding of their target markets and the potential impact of their products or services. “The Bullpen event showcased an impressive array of innovative start-up ideas from talented students. As a judge and parent entrepreneur, I was thoroughly impressed by the creativity, passion, and professionalism displayed by the students. Their level of energy, originality, and enthusiasm was truly remarkable. What stood out to me was the strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental consciousness in many of the projects. It is highly commendable that the school has successfully instilled a mindset focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the students. It was inspiring to see the next generation of entrepreneurs taking their first steps towards solving problems in the real world.”
Another “shark,” Dr. Karim Alwadi, founder of Yuan Li Sport and a DCB parent for ten years now, shared his pride not only in taking part in the event as a judge but also in experiencing firsthand our young students’ pioneering spirit and entrepreneurial drive. “The real-world business is much more competitive than what the students experience in a school environment. That is why it is so important for the kids to get hands-on experience on real issues you don’t anticipate in a simulated proposal.”
As the competition unfolded, it became evident that entrepreneurship runs deep in the students’ veins. Whether it was founding a pre-loved clothing platform with a sustainable ethos or creating dolls equipped with educational materials on the SDGs, the students’ passion and dedication were palpable.
Year 8 Ella H, co-founder of pre-loved clothing platform Kiddieloop, the winning business idea, shared how her team had decided to create a service with sustainability and community in mind. “We had a list of problems we wanted to solve while making a sustainable impact. We decided on Kiddieloop, where we would also create a community where everyone shares our values.”
Kiddieloop addresses the rapid growth of children’s clothing with an eco-conscious twist. They enable parents to sell or donate gently used children’s clothing, allowing others to purchase vetted items. Sellers earn a percentage, and charitable donations are also made from proceeds.
Dollision founder Year 7 Eva C shared how winning second place is one of the first steps in her dreams of becoming the first female CEO of a doll empire, where the dolls are uniquely equipped with learning materials on the 17 SDGs. “Not only can our dolls educate kids about SDG goals using accessible and trendy content, but as a girl, I can understand and relate with our target audience too!” But she also added how the event made her see that, whether she won or not, the joy she had while working on this passion project of hers is something that doesn’t need a reward.
Footflex revolutionises footwear by offering detachable soles, eliminating the need to carry multiple pairs of shoes. Their easy-to-use mechanism provides convenience for travellers and anyone looking to simplify their shoe collection. Say hello to extra space in your bag!
Sports enthusiast team Footflex, who placed third, shared how their product was inspired by how being passionate about different sports can make purchasing shoes not only unaffordable but unsustainable as well. They aim to create interchangeable soles that not only allow sportspeople to affordably continue their passion for sports but also create a better alternative for the planet. “With the seed funding, we [can]work out a complete set of prototypes to make our soles real products.”
Mr. Kaye also shared his observation of how nearly all the business ideas were related to social entrepreneurship, embodying DCB’s commitment to global citizenship. “This remarkable journey reveals our students’ commitment to active citizenship, demonstrating that every innovative idea we pursue is a stepping stone towards making a meaningful impact in the world.”
This program allowed students to showcase their innovative ideas while reinforcing the importance of collaboration, resilience, and sustainability, where ingenuity meets impact, and where every idea has the potential to make a difference. As Mr. Anthony Coles, Head of College, pointed out, “We should never underestimate our students. They are highly capable, adaptable, and creative. It’s no wonder they have excelled in this challenge to ideate and execute a business plan. Thank you to Mr. Stephen Kaye for supporting the teams throughout this long and sophisticated process.” The event also garnered support from extended family members, underscoring the importance of instilling entrepreneurial values from a young age.
Congratulations once again to all the participants, teachers, and community members who contributed to the success of the Dulwich Startup Warriors Programme.
Images: Dulwich College Beijing
