The pupils competed in four science challenges at 3M’s head office in Bracknell from 24-27 April and wowed the judges with their creativity.

The competition is designed to inspire the next generation of original thinkers and encourage pupils to consider future careers based on the STEM subjects of science, technology, engineering and maths.

Pupils were invited to compete in four categories including building towers and bridges with minimum weight and maximum load; creating musical instruments from recycled products; and making an item of furniture for a child from recycled or sustainable materials.

They presented their creation to the judges who were made up of Dawn Thompson and Phil Jefferies from the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board; Oliver Hazlewood, product development manager for Sims Recycling Solutions; and Dr Ajay Sharman, STEM Ambassador liaison lead for STEM Learning. They were joined by 3M volunteers Sarah Chapman, a technical manager; Technical Service specialist Andy Fish, Neal Griffiths, who manages 3M’s Software, Electronics and Hardgoods Laboratory and Sabeel Ullah, a development engineer.

Highlights from the judging have been captured in this video.

Dr Sharman was one of the judges for the Eco Tech challenge. He said: “It was a delight to act as a judge and see first-hand the pupils’ creative work using recycled materials to make musical instruments. They also had to present their ideas to a panel and this was a great way to learn a new skill and boost their confidence.”

Bracknell MP Dr Phillip Lee will be presenting the prizes to the winners at an awards ceremony at 3M Centre on 25 May.

Watch this video of the judging

Find out more about the Young Innovators Challenge