Innovative thinkers and problem solvers will have the chance to pitch their product or service ideas to some of the industry's best, following the launch of the 2014 Young Innovator Awards this morning.
Established in 2009, the annual YIA aims to inspire and engage secondary school students and people under 40 years of age who reside in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty.
More than 70 people from the business and education community attended the launch breakfast this morning to hear about the awards and what was planned for the year.
This year the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic will be promoting YIA to their students and tutors along with the 10 secondary schools in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty and Priority One's Young Professionals Group.
A wide range of creative and thought leaders from around New Zealand are invited to judge the awards and then participate in the YIA Innovation Forum, to be held on August 8.
Anyone interested can register on the YIA website.