Building on the success of the HIP2B² 3M Innovation Challenge which launched in 2012, innovative multinational technology company 3M and non-profit youth organisation HIP2B² are gearing up for 2015. This year the theme of the challenge is “Science. Applied to life” to celebrate 3M’s new global branding unveiled earlier this year.
The call is out now for grade 9 and 10 learners to enter the 2015 Challenge, which tasks them with finding innovative solutions to everyday problems they face. Those entrants who make it to the final round will benefit from exposure to 3M's wealth of intellectual and product resources, in support of their quest to become South Africa's Top Young Innovator 2015.
“The previous Challenges were a great success and made a significant impact on those learners who participated," said Rene Dove, 3M Corporate Brand & Communication and Strategic Planning Manager. “Science, is just science, until you make it improve the world. Learners are often overlooked by adults when it comes to solving real-life problems. We want to see the project ultimately feeding the pipeline of scarce skills in the fields of engineering and technology and changing perceptions of these fields. The ideas of young people should be encouraged, not ignored - like the excellent idea we had from the winning team in 2014."
In response to the high air pollution produced by Richards Bay’s industry, Sulakhe Nhassengo and Christiaan De Jager, from Durban High School in KwaZulu-Natal, won last year’s challenge with their idea of a solar-powered Oxygen Manufacturing Apparatus (O.M.A.). The O.M.A transforms diatomic gasses, most notably CO, into harmless gas and fuels through electrolysis for a more sustainable environmental footprint.
HIP2B² was founded in 2002 to promote the study of Maths, Science and technology-related subjects as a means to develop problem solving skills and analytical thinking. Its ultimate aim is to contribute towards a growing culture of entrepreneurship, which will better ensure South Africa’s future economic prosperity.
"We rely on strong corporate partnerships like the one we have with 3M to keep on making a difference in the lives of South African learners, by unlocking their 'inner innovator' through fun, well-structured and well-resourced educational programmes like the Challenge," said Cathryn Payne, Managing Director of HIP2B². "As a founding partner, 3M has been totally committed to the success of this project, providing financial, product and human resources, and opening up their company facilities to our enthusiastic young competitors."
3M is the science-based company behind a plethora of innovations, which permeate every industry. Internationally renowned as the creators of brands such as Post-it®Notes, Scotch® Tape, and Scotchgard™, 3M has also developed everything from safer surgical drapes to innovative air filtration systems and pocket projectors.
Grade 9 and 10 learners are invited to enter, in teams of two, their own innovation for a solution to a real problem that affects them, their family or their community, using science and maths applications. Learners may join a free workshop to develop their idea or to talk to an expert about the problem they want to solve. Gauteng learners will be able to join workshops at 3M Headquarters in Johannesburg on the 26, 27 or 28 of August. There will also be workshops in the Western Cape on the 18 of August and in KwaZulu-Natal on the 20 of August. To book a place at these workshops, send an email to innovation@hip2b2.com.
Closing date for entries is on the 14 of September 2015. Two finalists per province will be selected by a judging panel of representatives from HIP2B, 3M and other industry experts with a science or technical background.
During October, the winning regional finalists from all three provinces will experience an eye-opening workshop of career and personal development with industry specialists and mentors at 3M Headquarters in Johannesburg, culminating with a presentation of their conceived innovations to a judging panel.
“3M is closely aligned with HIP2B²’s inspirational quest to awaken the innovator in South African learners through changing teen’s perceptions about Maths and Science and encouraging them to continue with these studies to matric and beyond," said Dove.
For more information and to enter a team into the 2015 HIP2B² 3M Innovation Challenge, please contact project manager, Lizelle@wwd.co.za on 021 976 3366 or email lizelle@wwd.co.za
HIP2B² and 3M search for Grade 9 and 10 Masterminds and Innovators
Building on the success of the HIP2B² 3M Innovation Challenge which launched in 2012, innovative multinational technology company 3M and non-profit youth organisation HIP2B² are gearing up for 2015. This year the theme of the challenge is “Science. Applied to life” to celebrate 3M’s new global branding unveiled earlier this year.
The call is out now for grade 9 and 10 learners to enter the 2015 Challenge, which tasks them with finding innovative solutions to everyday problems they face. Those entrants who make it to the final round will benefit from exposure to 3M's wealth of intellectual and product resources, in support of their quest to become South Africa's Top Young Innovator 2015.
“The previous Challenges were a great success and made a significant impact on those learners who participated," said Rene Dove, 3M Corporate Brand & Communication and Strategic Planning Manager. “Science, is just science, until you make it improve the world. Learners are often overlooked by adults when it comes to solving real-life problems. We want to see the project ultimately feeding the pipeline of scarce skills in the fields of engineering and technology and changing perceptions of these fields. The ideas of young people should be encouraged, not ignored - like the excellent idea we had from the winning team in 2014."
In response to the high air pollution produced by Richards Bay’s industry, Sulakhe Nhassengo and Christiaan De Jager, from Durban High School in KwaZulu-Natal, won last year’s challenge with their idea of a solar-powered Oxygen Manufacturing Apparatus (O.M.A.). The O.M.A transforms diatomic gasses, most notably CO, into harmless gas and fuels through electrolysis for a more sustainable environmental footprint.
HIP2B² was founded in 2002 to promote the study of Maths, Science and technology-related subjects as a means to develop problem solving skills and analytical thinking. Its ultimate aim is to contribute towards a growing culture of entrepreneurship, which will better ensure South Africa’s future economic prosperity.
"We rely on strong corporate partnerships like the one we have with 3M to keep on making a difference in the lives of South African learners, by unlocking their 'inner innovator' through fun, well-structured and well-resourced educational programmes like the Challenge," said Cathryn Payne, Managing Director of HIP2B². "As a founding partner, 3M has been totally committed to the success of this project, providing financial, product and human resources, and opening up their company facilities to our enthusiastic young competitors."
3M is the science-based company behind a plethora of innovations, which permeate every industry. Internationally renowned as the creators of brands such as Post-it®Notes, Scotch® Tape, and Scotchgard™, 3M has also developed everything from safer surgical drapes to innovative air filtration systems and pocket projectors.
Grade 9 and 10 learners are invited to enter, in teams of two, their own innovation for a solution to a real problem that affects them, their family or their community, using science and maths applications. Learners may join a free workshop to develop their idea or to talk to an expert about the problem they want to solve. Gauteng learners will be able to join workshops at 3M Headquarters in Johannesburg on the 26, 27 or 28 of August. There will also be workshops in the Western Cape on the 18 of August and in KwaZulu-Natal on the 20 of August. To book a place at these workshops, send an email to innovation@hip2b2.com.
Closing date for entries is on the 14 of September 2015. Two finalists per province will be selected by a judging panel of representatives from HIP2B, 3M and other industry experts with a science or technical background.
During October, the winning regional finalists from all three provinces will experience an eye-opening workshop of career and personal development with industry specialists and mentors at 3M Headquarters in Johannesburg, culminating with a presentation of their conceived innovations to a judging panel.
“3M is closely aligned with HIP2B²’s inspirational quest to awaken the innovator in South African learners through changing teen’s perceptions about Maths and Science and encouraging them to continue with these studies to matric and beyond," said Dove.
For more information and to enter a team into the 2015 HIP2B² 3M Innovation Challenge, please contact project manager, Lizelle@wwd.co.za on 021 976 3366 or email lizelle@wwd.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos