Student Innovations Shine at Prestigious TeenTech Finals

In June, two groups of three students (one group from Year 9 and one group from Year 7) travelled to the TeenTech Finals at the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), London.

Over the whole school year, both teams had worked hard on an innovation log, demonstrating their process of research, developing prototypes, difficulties and adapting of the idea. During the process, both teams used advice from experts in their respective fields, and used this to improve and refine their ideas to secure their places in the prestigious final in London, which has previously included the likes of James May and Brian Cox.

The first team, Year 7 students, Nivedh KS, Seth O, and SiHeng Z. Their project was called Calmbites, a chewing candy that offers a natural and delicious way to find your calm. They developed stress-relieving chews, harnessing the power of well-known natural calming agents. They hope that this can lead to a type of gum that is allowed in school to relieve the stress from students, while using natural ingredients such as chamomile.

The second team, Year 9 students, Jamie B, Darius K, and Mohan D. Their project, named ‘Gymerator’, was an electricity generating gym concept, where energy generated from workouts (lifting weights etc.) is used to power lights, air conditioning and other utilities to reduce energy costs for the gym. The hope is that this can lead to lower membership costs for all, allowing more people (especially young people) to access the gym, encouraging a healthier population and helping people keep fit.

On the day of the finals, both teams answered tough questions from judges and demonstrated their innovations to sponsors and fellow competitors. Both teams excelled in their category, and won skills awards for working well with industry, with the Year 9 team winning their category and receiving a trophy! Here are a few thoughts and words from one of our finalists.

Darius K said: “It has been a really great time being in the TeenTech Finals, meeting new people with their projects and introducing our project to the judges and people who were coming to our stall. We saw projects that designed hydrogen-powered vehicles and fuel, a concept of low-drag trains, and even a badminton racquet which could fold in and out for easier carrying! We were so nervous when they were announcing who was going to win, until they said there would be two winners. We did a drumroll, and then listened very closely. We heard the other team's project name, and then ours! We all got up excitedly, and went up to the stage to get an award and certificates, it was such an incredible moment to experience! Thank you for all of the support that we had from friends, teachers, and families!”