Andrew Davidson, a young inventor from Aberdeen, has won a business support package worth £20K from the organisers of the New Start Scotland in a Dragon’s Den style pitch competition. The prize includes a cheque for £5k
The product design graduate from Robert Gordon University has developed a device which allows users of hydration packs to instantly switch between plain water and a scientifically formulated sports drink. The patent pending device is aimed at hill walkers, mountain bikers, military and anyone taking part in endurance sports.
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Andrew (26) said: “Hydration packs are great for carrying water and are widely used in outdoor sports and by the military. The problem is that filling them with the likes of a sports drink makes the hard to clean. This leads to bacteria forming leaving an undesirable after taste and bad smell. Further to this there is no option of switching to plain water, until now.”
He added: “I am delighted to have won the business support prize at New Start Scotland. The product is at the pre-production stage and the £5K will go some way to helping commercialise it.
The concentrated sports drink refills have been developed with the help and support of Dr Stuart Galloway from the University of Stirling, who is an expert in sports physiology, exercise and nutrition.
Andrew’s other inventions include the PolePod, a small, lightweight camera mount designed for skiers and hillwalking. Since graduating he has won the Sports Innovation Challenge and other competitions including The Scottish Mountain Bike Product Innovation of the Year, Young/Wildcard Edge and has been awarded a Royal Society of Edinburgh (SE) Enterprise fellowship as well as receiving support from Elevator UK.
Apart from the £5K in cash Andrew will receive benefits in kind from show exhibitors including help with accountancy, marketing, mentoring and website development; the value of which is estimated at £15K.
Ceri Rogers, event director, New Start Scotland said: “Andrew beat off stiff competition to win the prize. Our expert panel of judges were impressed by Andrew’s eye for innovation, his professionalism and positive attitude. We are sure he has a bright future ahead and wish him the best of luck as he takes the product to market.”
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