A team of enterprising UQ students have formed their own company to get a feel for real world business practices, and raise money for the environment at the same time.
Under the flagship of Young Achievement Australia (YAA) and the mentorship of Financial Wisdom, Aussy Aussy consists of business and science students who have designed and manufactured a range of tough, splash-proof laptop sleeves.
Managing Director Chris Woods said the product was created to make life easier for students, as well as keeping important assignment submissions dry from the perils of spilt coffee.
"Inspiration came from observing students struggling with a cumbersome laptop satchel on one shoulder, and a heavy rucksack or handbag on the other shoulder," Mr Woods said.
"Aussy Aussy came together, believing that student life was already tough enough without permanent shoulder strain!"
The company's progress has been marked by success at the YAA Expo held in Adelaide in August, where Aussy Aussy won the Best Overall Company Award (tertiary).
"Winning the award when we have only been functioning as a company for four months is an absolute honour, and I am very proud of the achievement Aussy Aussy has made so far," Mr Woods said.
The team members have also agreed to forego commissions and donate 10 percent of net profits to Greening Australia, an organisation committed to protecting and restoring the health, diversity, and productivity of Australia's landscapes.
Aussy Aussy's laptop sleeves sell at $29 and come in five colours: black, navy, royal blue, maroon and emerald green.
The sleeves can be bought at WC Penfold and the UQ Bookshop, or on the company website.
Additional information on the product as well as updates on Aussy Aussy's progress can be found on http://aussyaussy.blogspot.com.
Media: Pablo Neporozhnev (0432 154 979) or Cameron Pegg at UQ Communications (07 3365 2049, c.pegg@uq.edu.au)
