A Young Inventor’s Massive Win Is Reshaping His Business Journey

Sixteen-year-old Harrison Nott has transformed a simple bedroom startup into a global success after winning a prestigious $200,000 international pitching competition.

His company, CoolTowel, produces a specialized three-layer polyester fabric that provides immediate cooling relief after being wetted and snapped.

Harrison bested 15,000 other inventors to take home the grand prize at the Alibaba.com CoCreate Pitch event in London.

Even former England footballer Rio Ferdinand was impressed by the young man’s dedication and business acumen.

Quick Smiles:

• The innovative towel stays cold for two hours and has already served over 30,000 customers worldwide.
• Harrison started his entrepreneurial journey at age eight and used lessons from failed startups to perfect his current brand.
• A portion of the company profits are used to donate products to various charities supporting individuals with illnesses.

“I’ve had to grow up very fast,” Harrison admits.

“My school has been very helpful; I’m on a part-time timetable now to accommodate the needs of my business.”

“I’ve seen my dad running a business my whole life and I’ve always wanted to run my own, and have the financial control to do things for myself,” the teenager shared.

He now hopes to mentor other young people to help them launch their own successful ventures.