Budding entrepreneurs' fair showcases innovative products

Some 10 mini-companies formed by Form VI students from five colleges will be setting up shop at the Plaza Shopping Centre in Sliema tomorrow as part of the Young Enterprise National Trade Fair.

Karl Briffa, vice chairman of Junior Achievement (Young Enterprise) Malta, said the goods and services on sale this year were somewhat innovative and technological, moving away from the wooden decorative objects that often dominated the range of products traditionally offered by YE teams. There was more emphasis on the use of alternative materials encouraging students to identify and provide solutions for customers' everyday needs.

The proposed products range from technology and innovation to information and environment-friendly equipment.

Spectrum, a company from De la Salle College are marketing an EON torch, reputably the world's thinnest torch by renowned British designer Iain Sinclair.

Fridge It, from St Martin College, have come up with Extra Life, a product that preserves fruit and vegetables in the refrigerator for a longer time.

An educational DVD for children was produced by YES, a company from Verdala International School.

Speed of Light, from St Aloysius College, are selling Luglight, which can be clipped on the inside of a purse or bag.

Microtech, also from St Aloysius College, have compiled an extensive directory of 500 restaurants, complete with contact details and the type of cuisine they cater for.

Another St Aloysius company, Hungup, have produced Eco Hangers, made of recyclable material and which offers customers, like dry cleaners, the possibility to include paid advertising on them.

Solergy, from Junior College, have come up with a portable solar panel mobile charger.

Hooked, from Junior College, have Bag Hooks that are installed under tables in order to hold handbags without taking up space unnecessarily.

A computer-based educational library is the work of rticulate, a Junior College company.

U-Knighted, again from Junior College, have come up with a Melita and Gaudos board game aimed at boosting education in Maltese culture and heritage through play.

Junior Achievement (Young Enterprise) Malta, which has been running for over 20 years, is supported by HSBC Bank Malta plc as main sponsor, and by Go plc and Air Malta plc as official communications partner and official carrier respectively.

The fair will run from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.