We’re thrilled to announce that one of our students has been named one of Google’s ‘Zeitgeist Young Minds’ in the company’s annual online competition to find exceptional, motivated and inspiring 18 – 24 year olds from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Architecture student James Boon, 23, was recognised for his social responsibility enterprise ‘ElephantBranded.com’ which sends a school bag to an African or Asian child for each product sold through the website.
James models one of his company's bags, which have won him the Google accolade.
With nearly one hundred entries to choose from, a panel of judges including UK Digital Champion Martha Lane Fox and Channel 4 news presenter and correspondent Jon Snow, whittled down the entries based on creativity, innovation, reach, impact and response to social need.
James is currently in his fifth year of study to become an architect, and says that he was inspired to start his company following a placement year in which he designed and built schools in Africa and Asia. James also visited Japan shortly after last year’s tsunami and said that seeing children with so little inspired him to do something positive to help.
James says he has benefited from the Students’ Union’s enterprise schemes in setting up his company while also focusing on his architectural studies. He said: “I have been very involved with BANTER Entrepreneurs’ Club, and have had quite a bit of success in a number of their competitions.
“I have applied to become the President of BANTER next year, and we have society elections soon. It will be a large undertaking in the final year of my studies while also running the company, but it would be fantastic to be elected and to give back some of the support I have received.”
ElephantBranded operates on a one-for-one policy, meaning that every purchase made results in a school bag, stationery or books being sent to children who need it, supporting their education. The company’s goods are also sustainable, being made out of old cement bags.
Each winner has been invited to participate in Google’s annual Zeitgeist event in London on 21 and 22 May alongside some of the greatest minds and innovators of today. James’ schoolbags impressed judges so much that they will be given to delegates at the conference.
James said: “I am thrilled to have been named one of Google’s Zeitgeist Young Minds – it is an honour and I can barely believe it! The number of entries and the quality is incredible, and I am really excited about meeting lots of other young entrepreneurs at the conference in May. It will be a fantastic opportunity to make great contacts.”
Student’s Union Enterprise Manager, Siobain Hone, said: “James has done extremely well in setting up ElephantBranded and I have been very impressed with his dedication to social enterprise. His experiences through his architecture studies have clearly influenced his decision to set up the company. James certainly deserves this fantastic accolade from Google and I wish him all the best with the future of his company.”
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