Christchurch high school students have the opportunity to build a business in a weekend with the first Mashup competition in the region.

Over the course of the weekend, students will compete in teams to produce a webpage or application that pulls together information or data from two or more sources, and create a new service.

Coordinator Bruce Fraser says teams will have the opportunity to work with experienced business mentors to develop their Mashups.

“It will be challenging for the students, but will also be a fun-filled learning opportunity for everyone who takes part.”

The students will have a time-limit to produce a business plan, design concept and ultimately a Mashup.

“This competition encourages and rewards entrepreneurial teenagers to think outside the box and be creative using technology, marketing, business and presentation skills,” says Fraser.

Environment Canterbury is coordinating the event with the help of several Canterbury organisations and businesses.

Miles McConway, director of Finance and Corporate Services at Environment Canterbury, says it is an excellent opportunity for the regional council to work with local companies and organisations to encourage the use of its open data and at the same time to foster the development of youth in a real life IT and business development scenario.

Entries close on Friday 9 August and students can find out more information from the Canterbury Mashup website http://chch.mashup.co.nz/.