Derby College Science Students Impress in Dragons’ Den Challenge

First-year T Level Science students at Derby College Group’s (DCG) Joseph Wright Centre showcased impressive innovation and professionalism as they pitched their business ideas to a panel of industry experts in this year’s Dragons’ Den Challenge.

Over several weeks, the students researched, designed and developed science-based products addressing real-world issues in sustainability, health, environmental science and engineering. The challenge required them to present commercially viable solutions with market research, branding and financial considerations, all within a short timeframe.

The judging panel praised the quality, confidence and maturity of the students’ work, despite many having never delivered a formal presentation before.

The winning team developed ColourPlast, a smart plaster using colour-change technology to detect infection, inflammation and excess moisture. The concept also included refillable, sustainable packaging and designs tailored to children, diabetic patients and everyday consumers.

The judges credited the team for combining scientific innovation with social impact and commercial potential. The students were awarded vouchers as their prize.

Team member Bliss Buckley reflected on the achievement. She said: “It really was a team effort. We got to know each other so well and worked brilliantly together throughout the project. We’ve learned a lot and really enjoyed the experience, winning is just the bonus!”

Market research undertaken by the team highlighted that:

• The NHS spends £8 billion annually on wound care
• 5.6 million people in the UK live with diabetes, a group often at risk of slow-healing wounds
• Nearly 70% of UK consumers prefer refillable or reusable packaging

This year’s Dragons’ Den panel brought a wealth of experience from across the region’s industry sectors:

• Steven Thai – Ocean King (CEO)
• Kate Woodall – East Midlands Trains (Operations & Retail Training Manager)
• Damien O’Neill – Biffa (Group Head of Engineering)
• Ross McPherson – Severn Trent (New Talent Programme Manager)
• Suzanne Hill – Assured Quality Irmprovements Limited (Company Directors)
• Steve Hill - STEM Ambassador

Speaking after the event, Steven Thai said he was “genuinely impressed by the students’ passion for sustainability and the environment,” adding: “Their sharp thinking, confident delivery and ability to handle challenging questions from experienced business leaders showed real maturity. The future of innovation is clearly in safe hands.”

Kate Woodall, Operations and Retail Training Manager at East Midlands Trains, agreed. She said: “The vibrancy, passion and confidence the students showed was inspiring. Their ideas were well-researched, ambitious and presented with real energy. It was a privilege to be part of the event.”

In addition to the winning team, five further groups presented commercially viable ideas with sustainability at their core:

• ClimaCoat - Climate-positive paint designed to absorb CO₂ and support ESG targets. 
• Agua Shield - Marine-safe sunscreen using natural ingredients and biodegradable packaging. 
• Velli-T - Adaptable sportswear using interchangeable Velcro badges to reduce waste and costs in youth sport. 
• Nature’s Crayons - Biodegradable art supplies made from natural materials for early years and education settings.
• Bio Fade - Plastic-free, cruelty-free soap designed for sensitive skin with sustainable packaging. 

Event organiser Linda Horsburgh, Teacher of Science at DCG, said she had seen visible growth in the students during the project:
“Over the past few weeks, these students have not only deepened their scientific understanding but also built strong teamwork, communication and employability skills. Each group embraced every challenge and presented with maturity and professionalism. I am incredibly proud of them, and grateful to our dragons and second-year mentors for their guidance.”

She added that the event demonstrated the value of T Levels in preparing learners for real employment contexts: “This truly shows what T Levels deliver, real industry experience, real learning and real progress.”