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James feeds into bright idea for hungry animals

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A device, which would automatically feed domestic and small farm animals in your absence, could soon become a reality.

And, it’s all thanks to a bright, resourceful local teenager.

James Vazquez, from St Philip’s Christian College, recently impressed the judges at the 2021 Hunter Young Business Minds (HYBM) Awards, where he picked up the runner-up prize in the Bengalla Mine Secondary School Student category.

The 17-year-old showcased his Solar Automated Animal Feeder (SAAF), which is now garnering more attention since his initial presentation last month.

“I was surprised by the interest in the product and its applications to the real world,” James said.

“Some of the feedback I got gave me ideas on how I can further expand the capabilities of the feeder.

“We actually interviewed more than 15 individuals beforehand, from dog owners to farmers, asking what they thought of our concept.

“At least 80% of them believed it was a good idea; and 56% said they would buy it themselves.

“When you look at it, if you spend just eight minutes a day feeding your animals, that’s nearly 50 hours a year.

“Think of what you could do with that extra time at your disposal.

“So, we decided to spend those 50 hours on ideas to solve the problem.”

James admitted the concept was born out of self-regard.

“It began with an interest in solar panels and having to feed animals every morning in 2020,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.

“It can be a hassle – and a waste of time.

“No matter how much you love your pets, you still find feeding them monotonous and a slow way to start your day.

“When I put the two things together, I got my Year 10 I-STEM major project, which earned me the highest mark out of two I-STEM classes and an engineering scholarship with the school.

“So, in 2021, I decided to take this idea further and paired up with my friend Tate Parker to accomplish it.

“We first participated in the STEM defence and innovations initiative and then from there entering the HYBM program.”

James Vazquez’s Solar Automated Animal Feeder.

James said the SAAF was primarily aimed towards households and properties with small animals.

“Because it’s solar-powered and completely automated, all you’d need to do is set the feed times and fill it up,” he explained.

“Then you have all the convenience and no troubles.

“The large 10-litre hopper means you can even go on holidays without worrying about your animals going hungry.

“The SAAF supports grains – and feeds up to 2cm in diameter.

“That represents one product with hundreds of applications.

“It actually uses a reliable system, similar to grain silos – a special screw feeds the grain from the hopper into the mouths of your hungry animals.

“At the end of the day, it’s all based on giving people a greater degree of freedom.”

Although he’s unsure of the next step, James is keen to see it in the public domain as soon as possible.

“The initial goal for this product was for it to be marketed,” he said.

“However, with 2022 being my HSC year along with the current COVID-19 epidemic, it is all up in the air due to cost increases on materials and components and time limitations.

“But, I have my fingers crossed.”

Young Business Minds chairperson and the Australian Government’s appointed Hunter entrepreneurship facilitator Cheryl Royle said the submissions highlighted the talent and creativity of Hunter students.

“The awards are a great way to start putting an idea into action, test it, and connect with others to help take it forward,” she explained.

“We want to empower the Hunter’s next generation of creators and innovators.

“There’s no reason why young people can’t establish a successful business.

“For some, this may be a better alternative to traditional employment.”

A grateful James also praised the HYBM Awards.

“I believe the event is very important for upcoming entrepreneurs as it is a gateway to many more opportunities and a very good learning experience,” he said.

2021 Hunter Young Business Minds Awards

Hunter Water Primary School Award        

  • Winner: Myla Tucker and Olivia Lorenz (Newcastle Grammar) – A sustainable swimsuit made by tweens for tweens.
  • Runner-up: Ollie Ugray (Wallsend South Public School) – Automated home door and lighting system for people with a disability

Hunter TAFE Tertiary Education Award               

  • Winner: Tom Brewer – Busy Little Bosses (Hunter TAFE) – Tom has cerebral palsy and has designed children’s activity bags to provide screen-free creativity for busy families on the go. He drew on his own experience of having to attend multiple health appointments.

I2N University of Newcastle Under-25 University Student Award        

  • Winner: James Casey-Brown (Newcastle Uni) – Surf Safe uses a CO2 cylinder to inflate a buoyant ring under the user’s arms, which is stored in a pouch around the waist.
  • Runner-up: James Wooden (Newcastle Uni) – Intervergent provides service users and professionals with an entirely virtual booking system for health appointments.       

Bengalla Mine Secondary School Student Award    

  • Winner: Daniel Bell (St Philips Christian College) – An easy to use, multi purposed, hardwired controller for music mixing and editing.
  • Runner-up: James Vazquez (St Philips Christian College) – Solar automated domestic and small farm animal feeder which saves over 50 hours a year in manual feeding.

Harvey Norman School/Class Innovative Learning Award        

  • Winner: Kayla Loyola (Callahan College Jesmond Senior Campus) – The Start Up program provides disengaged students with skills to become young entrepreneurs.
  • Second: Annabel Mckensey (Newcastle Grammar) – LunchBox Legends is an app which allows people to design their own Beeswax wraps.
  • Third: Molly Boyle (Newcastle Grammar) – The Perfect Week is a time management app to help students be more productive.

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