005
emerging talent
We knew that
the problem with
refrigeration was
quite big and a
significant part of
the environmental
problem the world is
facing, but it’s even
more of a severe
issue than we actually
knew and really good
enforcement for
our idea as if it does
work, it can have a
really positive impact.for our idea as if it does work, it can have a really
positive impact.”
At the moment, the product is in the concept stage
and the team knows the components they want to use in
the product, but the $10,000 prize from winning NZ Startup
Bootcamp is going to be used as seed money towards the
company that can help with R&D and testing.
MacDonald says the first step they’ve outlined is to
target the refrigeration industry, but in terms of products
they want to develop, they have their sights set on larger
issues, like natural gas. A study published in Forbes
estimates that natural gas leakage adds up to US$30 billion
in lost revenue annually.
As for the experience of participating in New
Zealand’s only 48-hour start-up bootcamp, the team agreed
that the networking, the connections and the friendships
they made were one of the highlights.
“One of the massive learning curves was there’s
someone out there with the answer to the exact question
you’re asking, it’s a case of finding them. We gained so
many insights from the mentors from asking the right
questions – you’ve got to really build up those networks
and make sure you’re using them to the best of your
abilities,” MacDonald says.
“It was amazing to see how many people are
passionate about their ideas – it was a really goodopportunity for us to learn how under pressure,” Ho
Tse adds. “The atmosphere there wasn’t stressful, there
was yoga, meditation sessions, food and drink – it
was really good support.”
Zhao describes winning the competition
as “euphoric”.
“When we won it was ridiculous, it was kind of like
being famous – they wanted to talk to us, have a photo
with us. We got a really good reception,” she says.
At the moment, the Chameleon team is
juggling finishing their degree with their fledgling
start-up. They’ve been meeting with connections
they made during NZ Startup Bootcamp, such as
Callaghan Innovation.
“We want to keep the momentum going,”
Ho Tse says. “When you finish a competition you
think it’s finished, but it’s the start of our journey.”
MacDonald says one of the key learnings he’s
taken away from this is that it’s easy to have an idea
for a potential business, but just keep it in your head.
“When you put the idea you’ve formed in the
market and see whether it’s a good idea or not, it can
be quite nerve-wracking and easy to put off, but later
typically never comes – so it’s important to go out and
put your ideas to the test,” he says.
Watch this space. ■S
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