Children from various schools across the country took part in the Hip2B² 3M Innovation Challenge on 30 November in Woodmead, Midrand.
The challenge saw Grade 9s and 10s from 100 schools in the country showcasing their talents in a series of problem-solving workshops which were designed to nurture an appreciation of science and mathematics and to assist the school-goers overcome everyday challenges which affect them and their communities.
“The challenge aims to unearth the best technological and innovative ideas using 3M’s Sciences Applied to Life philosophy as the benchmark for all entries. Entrants who made 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 for this year,” said Cathryn Payne, managing director of HIP2B².
The initiative was founded in 2002 to promote the study of mathematics, 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.
Mpho Mashangoane and Mitchell Ramonyai from Noorderland High School in Polokwane, Limpopo, were awarded the young innovators of the year award for their Boiler on Wheels innovation.
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The pair’s invention, an easy to move boiler, relies on solar energy to purify water while in transition from river to residence and is suitable to use in a home environment.
The inspiration for the winning project was the need to have ready-to-drink safe water in rural areas where there was no running water.
At the finals, the youngsters presented their innovations to a panel comprising industry experts and entrepreneurs. The panel of judges assessed the submissions of the top four finalists based on creativity, science knowledge and general presentation skills.
The winning pair was awarded the prestigious title of South Africa Young Innovators for this year, and their prizes includes laptops and R10 000 for their school.
Ismail Mapara, managing director of 3M South Africa explained, “The competition is designed to inspire innovation in everyday life among South Africa’s youth. Most encouraging is that the HIP2B² 3M Innovation Challenge has the support of the Department of Education.
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“Supported by HIP2B², the challenge enables 3M, through its brand message ‘Science. Applied to Life’, to create awareness of how South African problems can be solved through science, and that innovation improves every life. We encourage schoolchildren to pursue careers in the mathematics, science and engineering fields and to instil the culture of innovation across South Africa’s youth.”
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