11th Annual Dragon’s Den: A Showcase of Innovation and Creativity

On 25 November 2025, AISHK hosted its 11th Annual Dragon’s Den, an exciting event where our Year 12 HSC & IB Design & Technology students pitched their initial concepts for their Major Design Projects. This marks a critical stage in their year-long design journey, as they seek feedback to refine ideas that will eventually become manufactured projects and systems by August 2026.

The event featured two dynamic sessions, with students presenting to a panel of industry professionals and educators. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Dragons: Mr Chester Siu, Ms Ysabel Sison, Mr Andrew Bennett, Mr Jack Steadson, Ms Kerrie Mariah Durham, and Ms Emma Young for generously sharing their time and expertise. Their insights provided authenticity and invaluable guidance to our students.

The pitches were diverse and inspiring, tackling real-world challenges with creativity and empathy. 

Highlights included:

• Gavin’s modular rooftop spaces designed to transform under-used rooftops into wellness-focused environments, encouraging outdoor living in Hong Kong’s dense urban landscape.

• Kerelos’ adaptable furniture solution for children living in subdivided flats, addressing posture, eye strain, and space limitations to create safe and comfortable study environments.

• Parry’s innovative desk accessory for the modern workplace, offering a quiet outlet for stress and bridging the gap between focused work and necessary mental pauses. As one Dragon put it, “Giving staff the time to dream and play can boost creativity and productivity.”

• Skyla’s inclusive sensory support system, offering consistent comfort and emotional regulation for low-mobility children across various settings.

• Sydney’s mental health campaign for teenagers, using clear, relatable graphics to empower young people to understand and manage their wellbeing.

  
  

The Dragons challenged students to think deeply about feasibility, sustainability, and market appeal. One memorable comment urged a student to simplify their design: “Right now, it looks like a rat’s nest... Streamline it so users can intuitively understand your product.” Another reminder resonated across the room: “Focus gives you energy. Narrow your scope and know your unique selling point.”

These insights will help students refine their ideas and strengthen their design portfolios. Thank you once again to our Dragons for mentoring the next generation of designers and innovators. Your feedback will shape projects that make a difference.

By Christina Carini | Secondary Teacher, Head of TAS (7-12)