S3 pupils are being challenged to think of innovative business ideas that will impress a team of business ‘Dragons’.

Our annual Dragon’s Lair competition, to find young entrepreneurs, is inviting S3 pupils to think of ideas for a new product or service. They will then attend an information session on 18 September, where advisors from Business Gateway Lanarkshire will help them write a business plan for their idea.

The business plans are scored and the top six teams will be invited to the final where the pupils present their ideas to the panel of Dragons, who select a winner.

Information has been sent to all secondary schools in North Lanarkshire, and S3 pupils are being invited to discuss ideas with their teachers who can register up to two teams per school by 12 noon on Thursday 11 September.  

Dragon’s Lair is run by the council and sponsored by UKSE.  

Councillor Alex McVey, Convener of the Enterprise and Fair Work Committee, said: “Dragons Lair provides our S3 pupils with a fantastic insight into setting up a business as a potential future career path.

“The pupils are supported by their teachers and Business Gateway Advisors but the idea and planning comes from the pupils. In previous years we have seen such a high standard of business plans and presentations, which is down to the enthusiasm and commitment by those who apply, as well as the knowledge and confidence they gain throughout the process.”

Last year’s winner was Zac Murray of Cardinal Newman High School in Bellshill who won over the judges with his idea of Project Chef, an AI robot that creates a recipe using the ingredients you have at home. The cooking instructions are then projected onto the user’s kitchen wall to follow.

Previous winners have included Beauty Buddy from Coltness High School and 2023 runner up AquaVate from Dalziel High School, which is a smart water bottle equipped with an innovative mobile app that not only keeps users hydrated but fosters a community of “Aquavators”.

Dragons Lair is sponsored and supported by Tata Steel subsidiary, UKSE, which has been helping businesses in former steel areas with investments, loans and premises since 1975.

Scott Webb UKSE’s Regional Manager for Scotland, said: “UKSE has supported Dragons Lair for a number of years and we are delighted to be involved in again. It is a superb initiative to introduce  young people to the world of business and the potential of starting their own company one day.

“Every year I am incredibly impressed by the ideas the pupils come up with and would urge all teachers to encourage their S3 pupils to apply.”

This year’s Dragons Lair is also sponsored by The Pioneer Group at BioCity. The final will be held in November.

Schools can submit up to two teams and there can be a maximum of three pupils in each team. Teams must be registered by teachers by 12 noon on Thursday 11 September by emailing wilsonsho@northlan.gov.uk