The finals are set to take place on 14 October at 3M’s head offices in Woodmead and will see Grade 9 and 10 pupils from various schools take each other on in the hopes of developing and presenting their winning invention to 3M.
Cathryn Payne, managing director of HIP2B², explained that workshops were hosted, leading up to the finals, at 3M’s head office during the year.
“To help pupils prepare for the competition, these workshops were intended to inspire them to think of a problem in their community and then provide a unique solution to it, using maths or science,” she said.
Payne added that at the workshop, pupils from Florida Hoër Skool and Parktown Girls High were given a tour of 3M’s customer innovation centre, where they were introduced to the numerous product creations invented by 3M.
Following the tour, they were then treated to a fashion show which highlighted the need and benefit of getting solutions to problems.
Rene Dove, corporate brand and communication and strategic planning manager at 3M concluded by expressing 3M’s excitement at being involved in the challenge. “We are always excited to be part of an initiative that helps light the spark of innovation, especially in young South Africans,” she said.
The Innovation Challenge is an annual national competition hosted by non-profit organisation, HIP2B², and takes place during National Science Week. The challenge will focus on putting the finalists’ problem-solving abilities to the ultimate challenge.
Details: www.hip2b2.com
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