A 24-year-old student from Haarlem has been named best student entrepreneur in the world with his company which makes animal-friendly lasers to scare birds.

Steinar Henskes founded his company Bird Control Group in 2012. It is now active in 52 countries around the globe. The lasers are said to be ‘recognised by the World Wildlife Fund for their innovation, effectiveness and animal friendliness’.

The company was launched via YesDelta, a start-up programme attached to Delft University of Technology.

Henskes, who competed against 2,000 other student entrepreneurs from 38 countries, was awarded the $20,000 prize by the Entrepreneurs’ Organisation in Washington on Saturday night.