Joseph Opoku, Aurelia Obuchowska, Simona Vasilkyova, Nuradin Abdulle Bennie Karici took part in the 2017 Big Idea Challenge with support from mentor Nick Lowe, Regional Enterprise Manager, at Natwest.
Five entrepreneurial Business students are calling on the public’s support to help them scoop the top prize in a competition with their idea for an English translation mobile phone app.
Nuradin Abdulle, Bennie Karici, Joseph Opoku, Aurelia Obuchowska and Simona Obuchowska are representing The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) in the 2017 Big Idea Challenge.
The challenge is run by London Metropolitan University and invites teams from Further Education and sixth form colleges to develop and pitch their business plan, and the College team needs people to vote for them to win.
The winning team will receive free websites, internships and business mentoring to help turn their idea into a reality.
Each member of the CONEL team is from a different country or ethnic background and aware of how difficult it can be to do basic tasks, such as opening a bank account or making a doctor’s appointment, if you don’t speak English.
The English Translator app would connect non-English speaking people with multi-lingual students who want to earn some extra money. It would not only provide translation services at the point of need, but also English lessons to help people to integrate in their communities.
Nuradin, 20, who is English but has his roots in Africa, said: “A language barrier can have a huge effect on individuals and communities. The worst people affected by poor health and high unemployment in the UK are those that feel most isolated and do not speak English.”
Bennie, also, 20, who is from Albania, added: “If you need to go and see a GP and do not speak English our app will prove a quick and efficient translation service either in person or through a video-link for a reasonable cost.”
After submitting their idea the team received support and guidance on developing and pitching their business from Nick Howe, Regional Enterprise Manager, at Natwest, as part of the challenge.
In researching the project the team found that there was a growing demand for translation services, particularly for Polish, Turkish, Greek and Punjabi speakers, and the vast majority of Turkish people in the UK live in North London.
To vote for the CONEL team go to www.bigideachallenge.co/finalists/translatorapp. Voting closes on 31 March.
You can see the team’s pitch below.