A student-run business from the Isle of Wight has risen from local acclaim to national recognition, securing a spot in the London Semi-Finals of the prestigious Young Enterprise competition.
Paws of Wisdom, a company founded by a team of Military and Public Service students at the Isle of Wight College, competed in the Isle of Wight Finals back in April. Their innovative pet enrichment toys impressed the judges with a distinctive blend of instinct-based design, educational value, and heartfelt passion.
After placing 2nd in the local competition, the team advanced to the Southampton Regional Finals, facing off against the top student businesses in the South. The experience proved to be a defining moment, allowing them to refine their pitch, strengthen their business plan, and embrace professional feedback.
Their standout performance in Southampton earned them a place in the fiercely contested London Semi-Finals on 21st May – a significant milestone in their entrepreneurial journey.
Representing both the College and the Isle of Wight on a national stage, the team showcased maturity, innovation, and a compelling vision for the future of pet care products.
The team have said:
“We’ve grown so much at every stage. From starting with a simple idea to now being recognised in London, it’s been a journey of confidence, creativity, and resilience. We’re passionate about providing pets with purposeful play that reconnects them with their natural instincts.”
Paws of Wisdom continues to develop its range of interactive toys, focusing on enrichment and fostering emotional connections between pets and their owners, with aspirations to turn their Young Enterprise project into a lasting business.