Rocketgrip, an innovative hockey stick handle solution with personalised design and shape options, has won the national final of the international business ideas competition Creative Business Cup 2024 with a prize of 5000 euros and the opportunity to represent Latvia at the international competition Creative Business Cup Global in Copenhagen in June.
Six participants competed in the final, presenting business ideas from different sectors, including an innovative micro-mobility solution, a sports analysis tool for coaches, games, etc. A representative of the jury, Daiva Naldal, a strategic advisor, investor, and start-up mentor, said that the competition was strong, making it difficult to choose a winner: «Each of the companies that took part in the competition came with their own proposition of value and uniqueness. The jury’s task was to assess which of the business ideas had a strong market advantage in all the evaluation criteria, looking not only at creativity but also at sustainability, hosted growth and market opportunities, social impact, execution, etc. The company with the most strengths this year will have the honour of representing Latvia in the global final.»
Aksels Zingulis, co-founder of Rocketgrip, sees the win as an opportunity to expand his international contacts and get to know the business innovation environment better in order to attract investments and develop the company in the future. Aksels says: «It’s important not to jump to the wrong conclusions early on. Five years ago, we thought that nobody needed our product, but today we are here to represent Latvia in an international creative entrepreneurship competition. So I believe that every product can find its own market or be adapted to the needs of the market. In our case, it was the export that showed the true potential of the product, so I encourage all creative entrepreneurs to think globally and take advantage of international market opportunities.»
The second prize went to Bruntor, who produce electric off-road skateboards and cargo scooters for parcel and mail transport, while the third prize went to the youngest entrants, Fortfull, who produce wristwatches for the visually and memory impaired as well as seniors.
Creative Business Cup is a global initiative, organised by the Creative Business Network, whose mission is to strengthen entrepreneurship and innovation. The annual competition aims to support creative ideas and foster innovation by helping companies from all over the world to meet potential partners and reach global markets. The national selection takes place in 60 countries.
In Latvia, the Creative Business Cup is now in its 11th year and is organised by the Latvian Investment and Development Agency. Previously in the competition, Latvia was represented by Vividly, Connection Codes, Anatomy Next, Gigi Bloks, Gamechanger Audio, Babbit and Friends, WinGo Deposit, Scent Camera, and Stapes.
Viedokļi