Innovation brilliance: Wales' young inventors shine at WJEC’s 23rd annual awards ceremony
Wales' most promising young inventors have received accolades for their innovative ideas at our 23rd annual Innovation Awards. Held in the heart of Cardiff Bay on December 14th at The Senedd, the ceremony celebrated the achievements of budding inventors.
In collaboration with the Welsh Government, our Innovation Awards aim to inspire creativity among young minds in Wales, urging them to rethink conventional designs of everyday products and services. After a triumphant return in 2022 following a two-year hiatus, the 23rd edition showcased a wealth of inventive ideas from talented young minds.
The event also served as a fitting tribute to the legacy of Welsh inventors, acknowledging their contributions, including the creation of pioneering inventions such as the modern microphone, X-ray, and radar technology.
Jasmin Jones, a student from Denbigh High School, emerged as the AS Level Winner and Overall Winner for her innovative design of a wireless toothbrush charger. The judges commended Jasmine for the high-quality design and attention to the critical user needs and wants.
Jasmin said: "I am so thrilled to have won - I really didn’t expect it! There are so many amazing projects here today and it’s been so great to have the opportunity to look around at all of them. I would like to thank Mr Jones my Design and Technology teacher, and Mr Williams my head teacher. I am so grateful for their support and guidance; it really wouldn’t have been possible without them. We have such a great Design and Technology department in our school, that have supported my ideas and allowed me to do the best that I possibly can."
Award Winners 2023
A Level
1st - Sion O’Keeffe, Ysgol Bro Pedr, FretLuminate
2nd - Carys Boardman ,Ysgol Bryn Elian, Accessibility Toolkit
3rd - Tomas Billington, King Henry VIII Abergavenny, Surf Utility Trolley
AS Level
1st - Jasmin Jones, Denbigh High School, Wireless Toothbrush Charger
2nd - Sonny Normansel, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Edern,Haptic Feedback Doorbell for the hard of hearing
3rd -Rhys Wijeratne, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Edern, Dynamo Powered GOS Navigation System
GCSE
1st - Alys Jones, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Edern, Flight DVT Reduction Device
2nd - Huw Davies, Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi, Helping Hand
3rd - Nanci Edwards, Monmouth, Raising Awareness on Protecting Oceans
Other prizes went to:
Creativity - Emily Hay, St David’s College, Wonders of the World Board Game
IP Prize - Finn Channing Davies, Brecon High School, Crimped Climbing Equipment
Science - Jacob Taylor Chow, Ysgol Uwchradd Glan Clwyd, Plastic Bottle Reformer
Images from the event are available to view here.
Commended for their success
Ian Morgan, our Chief Executive, said: “The Innovations Awards is an event that I look forward to every year. The ceremony highlights the importance of recognising young talent in Wales and acknowledging the level of commitment and hard work that goes into these products.
“Once again, we have been blown away by the standard of our award entries, presenting our judges with some tough decisions, and I would like to extend a huge congratulations to all our entrants, no matter the result.
“I want to express our gratitude to all those who have supported and nurtured the next generation through their ongoing support. We deeply understand the importance of teachers, guardians, and family members who remain present every step of the way, supporting young learner’s creative quests. And, of course, we extend our appreciation to the Welsh Government. Without their constant support, this event could not take place.”
Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething said: "As set out in our innovation strategy, Wales Innovates, we believe fostering a culture of innovation is vital. It helps ensure young people have a springboard into high quality, skilled apprenticeships and careers - so I'm delighted we continue to partner with the WJEC to deliver the Wales Innovation Awards.
"This event is a wonderful opportunity to open young people's eyes to the relevance of design and technology and allow them to be recognised for their technological innovations. A big congratulations to everybody who made it to the finals!"
In a nod to previous success, several promising inventors from last year’s Innovation Awards inventions have earned the honour of having their patent applications allowed by the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) and are awaiting official patent.
Ewan Brough from Brynteg Comprehensive School in Bridgend has been working with trademark and patent attorneys Abel + Imray to patent his integrated kitchen knife block, along with Ellie Penaluna from Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun in Rhondda Cynon Taf, who is awaiting patent for her food cutting guard.
In response to their success, Dr Peri Jones, European Patent Attorney for Abel + Imray said: “It has been a pleasure working with Ellie and Ewan, to educate them about patents and the value of Intellectual Property. It is inspiring to see the innovation that comes from the GCSE and A-level projects every year, and we are looking forward to supporting the WJEC and WJEC Innovation Awards for many years to come.”
For further information about the competition visit https://www.wjec.co.uk/home/innovation-awards/