Showcase of inventions spark bright future

Showcase of young kiwi inventions spark bright future

New Zealand school students aged between 11 and 18 have again come up with inventions with potential to transform everyday activities and save lives in the 10th annual Bright Sparks Awards.

The Bright Sparks programme was set up by industry training organisation ETITO to foster interest and talent in careers in the hi-tech and electrotechnology arenas. More than 150 secondary schools across New Zealand are involved with Bright Sparks through its National Certificate in Electronics Technology programme and over 2000 young people are active members of the Bright Sparks online network. The annual competition is one way for students to showcase their skills, have fun, and spark the attention of industry, through inventive technology projects. Just over 70 projects were entered in this year's awards and the judges have whittled those down to 27 finalists across the four age group categories.

This year's judging panel of Chris Chitty, Dr Robotech from TV's Let's Get Inventing show, and technology industry leaders Garry Reynolds, Peter Jenkins and Paul Corder, has again been impressed by the diverse projects that have taken shape from classrooms, bedrooms and garages around the country.

ETITO's Bright Sparks Manager Ross Petersen, founder and mentor to young Bright Sparks since the programme began, says: "Bright Sparks is all about natural inquisitiveness and a desire to tinker - and where that can take these clever young people is quite remarkable. Many of them have set out to solve issues that affect their families and communities, things that can make life better around the house or farm. Others have come up with games and toys with a high degree of sophistication."

Finalists include:

§ a device that aims to use GPS and other advanced technology to prevent drivers on restricted licences or with unwarranted and unregistered cars from starting their cars - a project prompted by a teenager's concern about road deaths.

§ a keyboard that allows users to learn sign language by converting each letter to a sign that presents on screen.

§ a fully functioning wind turbine made from an old washing machine and providing renewable energy generation.

§ an electronic security guard on wheels which can patrol your home and send a text message to you when it detects movement.

"The projects are all different but together they go to prove what we have known since the start - there is no shortage of technical talent and innovative thinking among our young people. Most of this year's finalists are chasing careers in the field and we want to support them in whatever way we can to ensure they go on to be our future industry leaders.

"We are very keen to connect these young people and their projects in whatever way we can to the industry - perhaps even look at opportunities to refine and commercialise their ideas. If anyone is keen to share their expertise or help reward these young people we'd love to hear from them."

Mr Petersen says as well as the Bright Sparks community, their schools, teachers and families play a vital role in harnessing the students' talents and enthusiasm.

Many of the finalists from previous years have gone on to tertiary study in the electrical, engineering and technology fields and are forging successful careers, including Alan Grimmer, an engineer now part of the Rex Bionics project team developing robotic legs that enable people with paralysis to stand up and walk.

The Bright Sparks Awards winners will be announced on 17 November, including the recipient of the People's Choice Award for which furious online voting has begun.

All the exciting finalist projects are showcased online. Visit www.brightsparksawards.org.nz. Ends
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