The Duke of York visits Exeter College for Pitch@Palace 11.0 On Tour Devon

20 Entrepreneurs Pitched their ideas to The Duke of York and an Audience of influential investors, mentors and business leaders, hosted by Exeter College.

The three winners, selected by a panel of judges, were Biosystems Technology, OTA Water, and KYMIRA . These Entrepreneurs will progress to Pitch@Palace 11.0 Boot Camp at Imperial College London in May and Pitch@Palace 11.0 at St James’s Palace in June.

During HRH’s visit to Exeter College, The Duke of York met with John Laramy, College Principal, Rob Bosworth, Vice Principal and Sam Hillman, Assistant Principal to discuss the college’s national standing as a leader in technical education, leading on initiatives such as the delivery of new T Level qualifications in 2020. In addition they discussed the clarity of the education eco structure within the City of Exeter, including the role of the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust.

HRH met two students, Zanita Volschenk, and Andrew Hodge, who have achieved their Silver iDEA award, an international programme that helps people of all ages develop digital and enterprise skills online for free.

The college welcomed more than 100 attendees at Pitch@Palace 11.0 On Tour Devon, held in the college’s conference centre, where each Entrepreneur was given three minutes to Pitch their business to the Audience.

There were a number of keynote speakers during the day, including: Michael Caines MBE, chef/patron of Lympstone Manor, and one of Britian’s most popular and well-known chefs; entrepreneur Luke Lang, Crowdcube; and Karime Hassan, Chief Executive, Exeter City Council.

Pitch@Palace was founded in 2014 by The Duke of York to amplify and accelerate the work of Entrepreneurs. Its aim is to guide, help and connect Entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses with potential supporters, including CEOs, Influencers, Angels, Mentors and Business Partners. Since 2014, Pitch@Palace has helped over 785 businesses grow, with some now enjoying global success.

Pitch@Palace 11.0 has a broad technology theme, seeking Entrepreneurs that have identified opportunities in areas ranging from Biotech and the Internet of Things, to Smart Cities, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.

At the end of the event, The Duke of York announced the three winners – Biosystems Technology, KYMIRA and OTA Water, and thanked Exeter College for hosting Pitch@Palace On Tour Devon.

John Laramy, Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive, said:

“Exeter College was delighted to host The Duke of York and Pitch@Palace 11.0 On Tour Devon, welcoming so many business leaders and entrepreneurs to the college.”

“It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the exceptional work of the college, our staff, and our students, and discuss our national standing with The Duke of York for the delivery of world class technical education.”

The winners were:

• Biosystems Technology
• KYMIRA
• OTA Water