Cash available for ideas in competition for young engineers

. The brief is to, “Write an article answering the question: How can technology and engineering provide innovative solutions for today’s global challenges?" There are two categories: for age groups 14 to 18, a 500 word article is required, and the winner will receive a £700 cash prize while the winning article will be printed in the education section of “The Independent”. There will also be a £500 second prize and 5 runner up prizes of £150. For entrants aged 19 to 24, 750 words are required but the winner will receive £1000 as well as publication, plus there will be a £500 second prize and 5 runner up prizes of £250. According to Bosch Marketing Communications Manager Helen Watkins, article writers should ask themselves, “Have you a good idea and/or argument? Have you thought through the impact that it will have? And can you think of relevant case studies or examples?” The winner in the senior category last year was Carmel Digweed, a journalism student from Sheffield University while the winner of the junior category was Christopher Cubitt from Ilford, who entered the competition on his own without school support. The six judges will include: Robert Meier, the MD of Bosch UK, Johnny Ball, ex Tomorrow’s World presenter Kate Bellingham and Emily Cummins, now 21, who, at the age of 19, came up with the idea of a solar powered refrigerator for storing medicines in rural areas in developing countries. The presentation day will be on July 1st 2009 at the Royal Academy of Engineering. Last year’s event had Richard Noble, the project director of Thrust SSC as principle speaker. As well as winners, guests will include teachers of the winning and runner up entrants. All entrants will receive a personal certificate. www.indendent.co.uk/technologyhorizons