MSc Global Food Security and Development student wins top prizes in NTU and NTSU competition

Subject area: Animal, equine and wildlife
Category: School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences

Xanthea Heynes, an MSc student in NTU's School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, took the top two prizes at the Dragon's Den competition as part of Student Enterprise Week.

Students receiving awards at Student Enterprise Week. L-R: Aaron Lyons, Charmaine Morrell, Xanthea Heynes and Bailey-Renique Dawkins.

In February, students submitted business proposals that were assessed for their viability and environmental sustainability by a panel of judges. Held jointly by NTSU, The Hive and NTU's Sustainability Team, Xanthea Heynes won the top two prizes in the Dragons' Den challenge; the Green Dragon Award and the prize for the Most Commercially Viable Business.

Her business, 'Shroombox', is a mushroom growing and food systems research start-up that aims to produce sustainable, British-grown, exotic mushrooms that meet a growing demand for unusual fungi. This is hoped to increase local food production as well as food system research opportunities. Xanthea, an MSc Global Food Security and Development student in the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, won £2,700 for her business, including a £1,000 bonus, awarded to her as the judges were so impressed with the idea.

The business will now develop a mushroom growing base at NTU, that also explores food systems research and vertical farming. Xanthea says, "the prize money will be used to fund equipment and mushroom farm infrastructure to get growing both our mushrooms and our business."