The 2021 edition of the annual Redbull Basement competition has been up and going on for the last several weeks, and the winners are here.
In what may have its competitive year yet, the Redbull Basement recruited another round of creative, witty and innovative university students to tackle it out for the $ 100 bounty for the finalists as well as a chance to fly out to Turkey for the global finals.
Elias, Grace, Brian and Jos, 4th year Information Technology students at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) carried the day this year, after what they unanimously admit is their most strenuous task yet-juggling their last semester studies and taking part of the competition, they say, has seen them have negligible hours of sleep.
“The process was hectic. Beating school assignment deadlines and those of the competition saw us work round the clock because we were not trying to lose out on either. I personally had to confront my stage fright by practising in front of the mirror. It came in handy as I typically tremble when I am in front of the camera,” he says laughing. Turns out Elias is the one who implored his 3 friends to give the competition a go.
“Believe it or not, we recorded the required 60-second video a week to the slated deadline of submission. We then asked our school friends to vote for us and they went all out for us, which culminated in us amassing 68 votes. We are thankful for them,” adds Brian.
Now ready and excited for their flight to Turkey for the global competitions in a fortnight’s time, they are adamant they have learnt paramount lessons through it all. “Never give up. Adopt optimism and stay the course. Something concrete is bound to come out of it,” advises Jos-who they who they admit is the most optimistic of the group.
Now with a laptop and $ 100 wins on deck, they are focused on an even bigger challenge: winning the global competition. “Our fingers are crossed for that. It will be everybody’s first time in Turkey too and we cannot wait for what the 3-day trip has underway!” concludes Elias.
The global finals will entail thought leaders, entrepreneurs and visionaries from around the world collaborating with student teams representing each of the 44 participating countries. The 2021 competition required 18+ years old and currently enrolled students to visit the Red Bull Basement website and upload a video that clearly and concisely explains their team idea.
