Bay of Plenty students have one more day to register for the opportunity to learn key business and innovation skills this weekend.

The fourth annual Trustpower Mashup competition will see secondary school students work in teams using IT, marketing and business skills on real-life business scenarios from April 5-6.

Last year's winning team Pegasus working on their project.

With the help of experienced mentors, entrants develop web pages or applications throughout the weekend, competing for prizes of $400.

Mashup coordinator Bruce Fraser has extended registrations to Wednesday, April 2 and is encouraging students to sign up.

'So far we have 10 teams entered, which is a great number to work with, but we could cope with five more if there were more schools interested.

'Students don't need a teacher to be with them, so that's easy, and if there are individuals interested we could try putting together a hybrid team.”

Bruce says the event is fantastic for showcasing the realities of business and entrepreneurship.

Students will receive advice and guidance from mentors in the information technology and business sectors.

'The students get loads out of it. It's a really good opportunity for them to be working with a mentor, and to see that IT skills aren't enough; they have to put that together with marketing and presentation.

'You can be the best programmer in the world, but you need to be able to pitch it to the client.”

Last year's winners, Pegasus from Tauranga Boys' College, developed an app for tertiary institute Avonmore integrating information and services students need in their study.

Teams' presentations will be judged, and four $400 prizes awarded on Sunday.

The event is at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic's Bongard Centre on April 5-6.

The principal sponsor for the 2014 competition is Trustpower Ltd with additional support from Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, Wharf 42, Avonmore, Technology Wise, Cucumber, and Vortext.

Students and teachers can register or find out more at www.mashupbop.co.nz