Business Venture Competition: Innovations tie for first

HERALD PROMOTION

A device to detect melanoma and a real-time internet travel booking system could not be separated as winners of the Great New Zealand Business Venture last night.

Mole Snap, a camera-based screening programme for melanoma, shared the top prize, winning $60,000 for engineer Adrian Bowling, dermatologist Mark Gray, and accountant Rob Nichol.

Also in top spot and winning $60,000 was Bookrite, an internet application for travel bookings that has already won a major contract with Tourism Victoria. The team, led by John Allan, plans to use the prizemoney for marketing.

The competition, which began in March, appealed for innovative business ideas and offered cash for the best of them.

A deluge of 1450 entries greeted chief executive and new member of Industry New Zealand Bridget Wickham when the contest began, but two finally stood out from the last seven.

Ms Wickham said that each of the seven finalists gave inspiring presentations to the judges, and showed passion and vision for their businesses.