The competition is designed to inspire the next generation of original thinkers and this year the challenge had an engineering theme to reflect 2018 being designated the Year of Engineering by the UK Government.

For the Bracknell and Wokingham competition, some 190 pupils from 16 primary and secondary schools got through to the judging stage - making up 62 teams that competed in four science and engineering challenges – with many more taking part.

More than 150 people attended the presentation event held on 24 May. During the evening, the finalists showcased their creations and the top prizes of £750 worth of equipment for their school and £50 of Supercheques for individuals and team members were presented by Dr Ajay Sharman from STEM Learning, who was also a judge.

3M has also paid to enter all participants into the British Science Association’s CREST Award scheme, giving them a nationally recognised accreditation for their work towards the competition.

Congratulating the competitors, Ajay Sharman said: “All the entries showed creativity, innovation and enthusiasm for STEM subjects and it’s young people like you who will invent the future.”

He added: “Companies like 3M make a real difference by supporting young people and elevating the importance of STEM by working with schools, volunteers from businesses and STEM Ambassadors.”

Lisa Territt, a Year 6 teacher from Westende Junior School in Wokingham, commented: “The competition was a fantastic way to put STEM learning into context and it also helped the pupils develop collaboration and presentation skills. We have seen the children grow in confidence during the process.”

Youngsters from across Leicestershire and South Nottinghamshire were recognised for their achievements at a celebratory event held at Loughborough College on 15 June.

Around 265 pupils, parents and teachers attended the event and Loughborough MP and former education minister, Nicky Morgan, presented the prizes.

A total of 145 teams took part in the Loughborough competition, made up of 450 pupils from 32 primary and secondary schools. Following a tough judging process, these were narrowed down to 32 finalist teams and six winners – one for each of the competition’s challenges.

Speaking at the prize giving event, Dr Will Whittow from the Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering at Loughborough University said that science and engineering are relevant to everything we use and do and that the next generation will be at the forefront of engineering in the future.

In her address, Nicky Morgan said: “As we leave the European Union, encouraging more young people to take up careers in STEM will be the key to supporting future economic growth in the UK and ensuring that our industries can successfully compete on a global scale. That is why I am delighted to continue to support the 3M Young Innovators Challenge and the role it plays in inspiring the next generation of STEM graduates.”

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