Master Nahidh Naseem represented Trinity College, Kandy at SPARK, a national-level youth entrepreneurship competition. The event was organised by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and supported by the US Department of State. SPARK is part of the ILO’s South Asia Leadership in Entrepreneurship (SALE) initiative, designed to promote entrepreneurship among individuals aged 15 to 30.
The competition launched on 20 June 2024, attracting over 400 applications from across Sri Lanka. Following a rigorous evaluation process comprising proposal reviews, online workshops, and business plan submissions, Nahidh was selected for the Top 50 in the school category. He was one of only three participants chosen from the Kandy district and the sole entrant representing the College.
Nahidh’s submission, ‘AgriConnect’, is a project combining a digital platform with a custom-designed IoT product aimed at supporting Sri Lankan farmers. The project assists farmers in selecting appropriate crops for their land, identifying optimal planting periods, and minimising post-harvest waste. The IoT device gathers real-time environmental data, including temperature, humidity, and soil conditions. This data is processed through the platform to deliver personalised recommendations. The primary objective is to reduce agricultural losses, increase productivity, and promote food security, particularly in rural communities.
The SPARK programme included a mentorship phase offering expert guidance in financial planning, business validation, and market research. Following these sessions, a multi-day Bootcamp was held to prepare participants for the final pitching rounds. The Grand Finale took place on 5 September 2024.
Although he did not progress to the final shortlist, securing a place in the Top 50 was a meaningful achievement. It highlighted that age and background are not barriers to innovation. Representing the school at a national competition of this scale was a significant moment in his journey as a student and aspiring entrepreneur.
The experience has deepened Nahidh’s interest in building tech-driven solutions for local challenges. He continues to refine AgriConnect and explore ways to expand its potential, hoping his journey encourages other students to engage with platforms like SPARK.
