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GOLD COAST surfing icon Nev Hyman believes there are two major problems facing the world today; plastic waste, and a desperate need for affordable shelter.
Fortunately, the entrepreneur created Nev House, a company which turns recyclable plastics into low cost structures including homes, schools and clinics which can be clipped together in 2-3 days without the use of tools.
For his ingenious solution, Hyman was crowned the winner of the Pitch@Palace global competition founded by Prince Andrew, Duke of York.
Hyman pitched his idea to international dignitaries, business people and potential investors at St James's Palace alongside other entrepreneurs from countries including China, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.
The Prince congratulated Hyman on becoming the Pitch@Palace Global Entrepreneur of the Year at the conclusion of the event.
"I tell you what [Nev], your pitch this evening was outstanding and well deserved," he said.
Hyman has been an avid surfer for 45 years and has previously founded two surfboard companies including Firewire, which he sold to world surfing champion Kelly Slater.
Hyman estimates that there is a need for more than 250 million homes in developing nations alone, and that his solution can put a significant dent in the global plastic waste problem.
"I love the ocean, but the problem is plastic plastic is not evil, it's the improper disposal of plastic that is," Hyman said during his pitch.
Hyman was joined at the Pitch@Palace global final by Bond University student Alisha Geary, who pitched her Indigenous activewear company Faebella.
Both entrepreneurs now join the network of Pitch@Palace alumni which currently generates £500 million in economic activity around the world.
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