Wales’ brightest young inventors have been recognised for their invention and creation at the 25th annual Innovation Awards, hosted by WJEC.
The Innovation Awards, held in collaboration with Welsh Government, are a celebration of Welsh design and technology, recognising and rewarding the next generation of innovators.
In parallel to previous years, the 25th Innovation Awards encouraged young people in Wales to be technologically innovative and appreciate the importance of design and technology.
The event held at The Pierhead in Cardiff Bay, was also a reflection on the legacy of Welsh inventors and acknowledges their contributions. Some of the world’s most groundbreaking inventions have come from Welsh inventors, such as the electronic breathalyser, the RIB Boat, and the modern microphone.
This year’s inventions were no exception and included a ‘bike beacon’ that could solve an everyday challenge faced by cyclists, and a ‘forever flare’ that identifies an innovative and safe solution for individuals facing challenging situations at sea.
Lewis Barnes, a student from Brynteg Comprehensive School, secured the first-place prize for the AS level prize and the Overall Winner for their innovative design of Block Start Acceleration Tracker. The judges commended the design for its portable and easy-to-use solution.
On his win, Lewis said:
“I am really excited to be taking away this award. Winning this prize is a real booster for me. It's going to help with applications for university and motivate me for my upcoming A-level projects. I'dlike to thank my Design and Technology teacher and my parents, that's where the ideas and all the help come from.
“I'm a sprinter myself, so I was inspired from problems that I come across in daily training life. This design uses a reel coming from the back of the starting blocks as well as uses a speaker to start the athletes off, and then when they start, it tracks the acceleration, which then goes to an app that I also designed”
Lynne Neagle MS, Cabinet Secretary for Education, said of the awards:
“Congratulations to all those who have been recognised in these awards. Your achievement reflects the outstanding quality of design and technology talent we have here in Wales. This is a sector that inspires creativity, drives innovation, and develops the practical skills that are so vital to our economy and communities.
“Design and technology education gives young people the confidence to solve real-world problems, and the ambition to shape the Wales of the future. I want to thank everyone involved – learners, teachers, industry partners and families – for the commitment and passion you bring to this field.
“These awards are not just a celebration, but a reminder of the vital role this discipline plays in building a prosperous, dynamic and forward-looking nation.”
Ian Morgan, WJEC Chief Executive, said:
“The Innovation Awards are one of the most significant events in our calendar, and it is a real privilege to showcase the remarkable talent emerging from schools across Wales. The standard of creativity, problem-solving and technical skill on display this year has been exceptional.
“I want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to everyone who entered, and especially to our winners. The commitment, imagination and effort behind these projects is genuinely inspiring.
“As Wales looks to strengthen its position in an increasingly competitive world, the role of design and technology will only grow in importance. The ideas we have seen in these awards show just how bright the future is, and I am excited to see where these young innovators take their talents next.”
