Students cook up enterprise project

Students at Heriot-Watt University have come up with an idea for the ultimate kitchen utensil - a hand-held computer that produces recipes using whatever ingredients are about at the time.

The first-year management undergraduates had to prepare a business start-up plan for their enterprise module.

Neil McGillivray, leader of the 18-member team, said: "We thought that this electronic organiser for recipes would have real commercial potential. It would be steamproof, waterproof and shatterproof in case of accidents."

More than a dozen student teams took part in the start-up exercise, and other ideas include a leg massager for long-haul flights and a tent with an inflatable floor.

The schemes will be evaluated by a panel of business experts, with cash prizes from the Royal Bank of Scotland and Scottish Enterprise for the best idea and the best business plan.