The atmosphere at Westford University was filled with excitement as the campus prepared for the first-ever event of its kind – ‘Elevate X,’ organized by the Entrepreneurship Club. This competition was a fantastic opportunity for young entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas and put their skills to the test. With renowned judges, an exciting format, and challenging tasks, Elevate X promised to be an unforgettable experience for all participants.
Ten teams were in the running, each eager to prove their worth in front of esteemed judges: Sabine Karunanithy, Co-Founder and Director of Transform HCM; Siddiq Farid, Founder and CEO of Smart Crowd; and Yahya, the Youth Programs Manager at Sheraa, empowering young entrepreneurs. The competition was bound to be fierce, and everyone was eagerly awaiting the thrilling showcase of talent and creativity.
Round One: Unveiling the Mystery
The atmosphere in the auditorium was tense as the aspiring entrepreneurs gathered for the inaugural event of ‘Elevate X.’ The first round, worth 40 points, challenged them to sell a mystery product in just 2 minutes, leaving little time for preparation. The mystery products ranged from virtual reality headsets to personalized jewellery and exercise bands, adding to the thrill of the competition.
To make things even more exciting, the judges had the option to invest 2,000 Westford Dollars in any product they found appealing. But the real surprise was the undisclosed jackpot, waiting to reward the team with the most innovative and appealing product.
As the teams presented their products, their creativity and persuasive skills were put to the ultimate test. Team Maverick stole the show in the first round, impressively scoring 26 points and securing the coveted jackpot. They left a strong and lasting impression on both the judges and the audience, setting the bar high for the rest of the competition.
Round Two: The Live Ad Showdown
The excitement reached its peak in the second round, as teams were challenged to create and present a live advertisement for the mystery product they had sold in the previous round. With 40 points at stake, this round was an excellent opportunity for teams to make a significant impact on the leaderboard.
Despite the tight time constraint of 15 minutes for preparation, all the teams delivered impressive performances. Team Maverick, holding onto their lead, presented a captivating live ad that wowed the judges and the audience. However, Team Golmaal wasn’t far behind, putting up a strong performance and securing the second position, keeping the competition intense and everyone on their toes.
The Final Challenge: Real-Time Problem Solving
In the final round, the teams faced the ultimate test of their problem-solving abilities. Each team leader randomly selected a chit with a real-time problem written on it. They had a challenging 1 hour and 30 minutes to come up with a comprehensive solution to their respective issues. The problems were diverse and complex, ranging from tackling hunger in Africa to addressing pollution in the Ganges River and finding solutions for homelessness in downtown Los Angeles, among others.
This round was crucial, carrying a substantial weight of 180 points, which meant it could completely change the leaderboard. The competitors dove into intensive research, brainstorming, and discussions, striving to find the most impactful and innovative ideas to make a real difference. It was a truly intense and thrilling round, with each team putting their best foot forward to leave a lasting impact on the judges and secure their spot at the top. The final round showcased the true essence of ‘Elevate X,’ fostering creativity, resilience, and the drive to make the world a better place through entrepreneurship.
Celebrating the Winners
After an exhilarating and challenging competition, the highly anticipated moment of truth finally arrived – the announcement of the winners. Team Maverick’s unwavering dedication and consistent performance throughout the event proved to be a winning formula, as we proudly emerged victorious with an outstanding score of 295 points. The excitement and joy were palpable as we stepped onto the stage to claim our well-deserved prizes, beaming with pride and a sense of accomplishment.
Team Wolves secured a commendable second position with an impressive score of 256 points, closely followed by Team Pinnacle, who showcased their exceptional talent and skills with a score of 253 points. The atmosphere was electric, and the thunderous applause from the audience echoed the immense effort and passion demonstrated by all the participants.
As we celebrated our triumph, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the unforgettable experience and the opportunity to showcase our entrepreneurial spirit. Elevate X had been a rollercoaster of emotions, pushing us to our limits and bringing out the best in each of us. It was a testament to the power of innovation, teamwork, and perseverance, reminding us that with determination and creativity, we can achieve anything we set our minds to.
Being announced as the victorious team was an incredible experience, and I couldn’t have achieved this triumph without the unwavering support and exceptional contributions of my remarkable teammates, Sahil Dewani and Reyha Rao. Their belief in me and their exceptional teamwork were the keys to our success. I am immensely grateful to them for their dedication and hard work. Together, we showed that passion, innovation, and collaboration can lead to extraordinary achievements.
Beyond the excitement of the competition and the joy of winning, Elevate X provided us with invaluable lessons that will stay with us for a lifetime. The judges’ feedback and advice were particularly treasured, offering us valuable insights into the intricacies of entrepreneurship and guiding us on our path to future success.
The competition exceeded all expectations, with its unique format, distinguished judges, and challenging tasks. Each team brought their own distinct perspective and skill set, making the experience incredibly enriching for all participants. As the first 'Elevate X' competition came to a close, it marked the beginning of a cherished tradition at Westford University. This event will continue to inspire and empower young minds, encouraging them to innovate, collaborate, and make a positive impact on the world through entrepreneurship. The memories and lessons from Elevate X will undoubtedly shape our entrepreneurial journey for years to come.
Ayaat Shaikh
BSc (Hons) Business with Digital Marketing – LJMU
