Pupils Switch On to Technology Challenge

05 July 07

The award winning Hillington Park Innovation Centre recently threw down the gauntlet to schools across Renfrewshire to find the next technology tycoon.

The Technology Innovation Challenge, organised by Careers Scotland and Scottish Enterprise Renfrewshire and hosted at the Centre, aims to give young people an insight into the world of technology and inspire them towards a high-tech career in industry.

A group of over 30 pupils from Mearns Castle High, Eastwood High and Williamwood High in East Renfrewshire and Trinity High in Renfrew took part in the Challenge where they were asked to work with start-up technology companies on a range of technology based projects.

Designed for secondary pupils, the Technology Innovation Challenge highlights the numerous opportunities that currently exist in Scotland’s technology sector.

Brendan Waters of Hillington Park Innovation Centre said,

"The Technology Innovation Challenge is a great way for us to meet the next set of 'would-be entrepreneurs'. Using companies who have established themselves in the Innovation Centre gives young people an insight into what it takes to set up and run a technology company and by giving them hands-on experience of the actual technology helps bring the subject matter to life".

Gaia-Wind was just one of the companies who set a challenge for the pupils. The company develops and manufactures small wind turbines for use in private homes, offices, farms and even swimming pools.

"The Technology Innovation Challenge has proved to be extremely popular since its launch in May 2006. We are extremely lucky in Renfrewshire that so many leading technology companies like Gaia-Wind, have decided to base themselves here. By setting challenges for the pupils they will hopefully introduce them to areas of the sector that they may not be aware of including research and development, design, prototyping, investment and marketing," she said.

"Scotland has a strong track record in the technology sector and through initiatives such as the Technology Innovation Challenge we hope to ensure that it continues to grow and flourish."

Nigel Akam from Careers Scotland commented,

"Scottish Enterprise, Innovation Centres Scotland Ltd and Careers Scotland are excited about the innovative approach developed to engage small companies in this type of activity with minimal impact on their working day. We see this as a 'blueprint' for getting more small companies involved in the future. An ongoing partnership of this type between industry and education will have long term benefits for the Scottish economy".

Source: Scottish Enterprise

Hillington Park Innovation Centre