Two young designers from Cardiff have been recognised at one of Wales’ leading education awards, shining a spotlight on the creative talent emerging in the country.
The annual Innovation Awards, hosted by WJEC, celebrate Wales’ brightest young inventors and designers, recognising creativity, problem-solving and technological ambition among learners from across the nation.
Now in their 25th year, the awards are delivered in collaboration with Welsh Government and encourage young people to develop practical design and technology skills that are increasingly important to Wales’ economy and future workforce.
Tegid Harper, a student from Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Edern in Cardiff, won the Intellectual Property prize at the Innovation Awards for their design titled ‘Sleep Sound’. The judges commended Tegid for demonstratinga well-presented, innovative idea with a potential for future development. Judges also noted that, Tegid had come up with a unique design and good branding.
On his win, Tegid said: “I’m feeling very honoured having won this award. The goal of Sleep Sound is to let people comfortably sleep while wearing AirPods or similar headphones, so they can listen to audio that may improve sleep quality or help manage conditions like sleep apnoea and other sleep-related issues.
“All the projects are amazing and so cleverly thought out, I am proud to be amongst the other winners. I would like to thank my teacher as he has been very supportive throughout this process”
Additionally representing Cardiff, Alfie Smith from Bishop of Llandaff Church in Wales High School in Cardiff won the Science prize for his design of ‘Water Sanitation Capsules’. The judges commended Alfie for his well thought out solution to the issue of individuals accessing clean water, a problem that is experienced worldwide. Judges also noted that Alfie has demonstrated a good understanding of science and technology with his water sanitation capsule design.
On his win, Alfie said: “I am feeling very happy and surprised after winning the prize. I would like to thank my teacher and my family, finishing this project was very much a group effort”
Other finalists in the A Level category from South Wales include Dylan Draper from St John Baptist Church in Wales High School who placed second in the category and Madison Burgess from Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Edern who placed third, for their designs titled ‘Spudbud’ and ‘FATBERG BUSTER’ respectively. Another finalist in the AS Level category from South Wales was Gruffudd Thomas who took home the second-place prize for developing the ‘Prosthetic Finger’.
The ceremony, held at Pierhead in Cardiff Bay, showcased the very best in Welsh design and technology talent and brought together learners, teachers and industry partners from across the country.
Lynne Neagle MS, Cabinet Secretary for Education, said of the awards:
“Congratulations to all those who have been recognised in these awards. Your achievement reflects the outstanding quality of design and technology talent we have here in Wales. This is a sector that inspires creativity, drives innovation, and develops the practical skills that are so vital to our economy and communities.
“Design and technology education gives young people the confidence to solve real-world problems, and the ambition to shape the Wales of the future. I want to thank everyone involved – learners, teachers, industry partners and families – for the commitment and passion you bring to this field.
“These awards are not just a celebration, but a reminder of the vital role this discipline plays in building a prosperous, dynamic and forward-looking nation.”
Ian Morgan, WJEC Chief Executive, said:
“The Innovation Awards are one of the most significant events in our calendar, and it is a real privilege to showcase the remarkable talent emerging from schools across Wales.
“The standard of creativity, problem-solving and technical skill on display this year has been exceptional.
“I want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to everyone who entered, and especially to our winners. The commitment, imagination and effort behind these projects is genuinely inspiring.
“As Wales looks to strengthen its position in an increasingly competitive world, the role of design and technology will only grow in importance. The ideas we have seen in these awards show just how bright the future is, and I am excited to see where these young innovators take their talents next.”
For further information about the competition visit https://www.wjec.co.uk/home/innovation-awards/