Big Ideas Competition

Young British entrepreneurs win sustainability competition to spearhead solutions to the climate crisis

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Published: July 2, 2024
This Article was written by: Katie Hill - My Green Pod
climate action, climate solutions, event, kids, solutions

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Ahead of the UK election, social enterprise S4TP has today (02 July) announced the winners of its 10th Big Ideas Competition, celebrating young people’s ideas to address sustainability issues while bolstering the nation’s reputation for climate innovation.

Designed to empower young (aged 11 to 14) changemakers to play a key role in addressing the climate crisis through entrepreneurship, all teams who take part are mentored by staff from local industries.

Planet-saving solutions

The pitch event that determined the winners provided inspiration two days before the end of a general election characterised by talk of the issues at the heart of the competition: young people, net zero and the green skills gap.

It saw young people from across the country showcase creative solutions to society’s biggest challenges, from innovative ways to make more sustainable solar panels to a gaming app that plants trees in the real-world as players progress and communities of ‘pods’ for people experiencing homelessness.

‘Against a backdrop of a momentous general election, the 10th anniversary of our Big Ideas Competition has shone a light on how young people can address society’s biggest challenges.

‘The ‘Big Ideas’ shared by young people from across the country, both at the national final and throughout the Competition, show us why it’s so important to bring young people into conversations about the future – at every level. Given the freedom and creativity to think outside the box, they could find the solutions we need to save the planet.’

JEN BAUGHAN
CEO of Solutions for the Planet

Part of S4TP’s Big Ideas Programme, which has supported over 33,000 young people to date, this sustainability-focused enterprise competition is helping to educate young people about the many opportunities available to them in these sectors.

Each year, S4TP connects competitors to local people working in Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematic (STEM)-related industries with these issues in mind.

Teams then co-develop technological solutions and business plans with these professionals, who form a business network that is integral to the competition’s success.

The 11 teams that made it to the national final presented these plans to a panel of judges made up of their peers, including programme alumni and other young people, and individuals working at the cutting edge of the STEM, sustainability, education, and youth spheres.

‘Taking part in the Big Ideas Programme was such a game-changer for me. Working with my friends, teachers, and charities really helped me improve my communication, teamwork, and presentation skills. Whilst we were encouraged to be creative as our project took shape, we were also supported to develop a big idea with real world application and sustainability.

‘For our project, we developed a pack for mums and babies to support with provision of clean water, antenatal care and life-saving vaccinations. Due to the high infant mortality rates and their existing network with CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development), Nigeria was chosen as the first country to receive our packs.

‘My experience in the project and our visit to Nigeria was pivotal in influencing my decision to become a doctor. I have now worked in the NHS for 4-years and have embarked on post-graduate training to become a GP. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity that shaped my world view and fostered a deep desire to dedicate my life to helping others.’

DR KIMI OMOLOKUN
Winner of the programme’s first ever competition

From Halifax to Portsmouth

Over 470 teams from 26 schools took part this year, and over 60 groups competed in the regional finals.

The national final provided a platform for young visionaries to present their big ideas. With finalists from Birmingham, Bradford, Halifax, Harlow, London, Portsmouth, Solihull, Telford, Willington and Wolverhamptom, big ideas from all over the country were celebrated.

The competition underscored the dynamic potential of Britain’s youth in shaping a future characterised by innovation and green jobs.

This year’s winners

First Prize: Vita Verde – Plashet School, London
Creating sustainable green roofs using biochar from food waste and teaching our society to live more sustainably – cutting carbon emissions, boosting biodiversity and reducing flood risk.

Second Prize: PodZzz – Bradford Girls’ Grammar School, Bradford
Network of ‘pods’ for people experiencing homelessness to sleep, as well as partnerships with local skills providers – enabling them to improve their life opportunities.

Third Prize: Bee-Quick – Telford Priory School, Telford
Gaming app that plants trees in the real world as you pollinate plants in the game.

Special commendation: Kipp & Co – Arden Academy, Solihull
Solar panel material innovation to replace glass, making panels more sustainable, cheaper and more durable.

Special commendation: BioBike – Stewards Academy, Harlow
Bikes that turn pedal power into electricity to charge electrical items, initially aimed at young people.

S4TP’s Big Ideas Programme celebrates innovation and offers resources, mentorship, and recognition to teams with the biggest, most impactful ideas. As the world looks to the youth for innovative solutions, it is poised to play an ever more important role in unlocking the transformative potential of the next generation of British innovators.

‘I cannot overstate the effect the Big Ideas Programme had on me, which is why I am so passionate about it. I don’t think students get much insight into the world of charity or social enterprise, and I truly think it was this programme which inspired me to get involved in the charity world, even if I didn’t know it at the time.

‘After graduating last year, I now work at a charity called Independent Age, which works to end poverty in later life, in Events and Corporate Partnerships. I’ve also been juggling multiple volunteering projects with local students since I was in sixth form, which again I’m sure was shaped by the Programme, as I am so keen to give back to young people around me in the same way adults around me at the time did for me.

‘There is no doubt that the Programme instilled a huge amount of confidence in me, and continues to be something which has shaped who I am today. Even though my job may not have been the most obvious step for an alumni – I didn’t go into STEM, which the competition focuses on – when I think of the skills I use now, I know I started to develop a lot of them through the Big Ideas programme.’

NUSAYBAH MANNAN
Winner of the 2016 competition