Covid-NITeen looks to bring out the best in NI student innovation

by Startacus Admin

Covid-NITeen is an exciting step-by-step project for NI students, from year 10 and up, to create new and innovative digital or product-based business ideas that address some of the key pandemic-related challenges

We’ve all had to make changes over the last year and adapt to the new normal in which we find ourselves - from social distancing through to home-schooling and online work-outs. Life as we know it, has changed. 

Step forward Covid-NITeen, an initiative aimed at helping young people deal with those changes, looking at some of the challenges that they have already faced and continue to face during the pandemic.

Delivered as part of the school’s programme at NI Science Festival 2021 (8th - 12th Feb 2021), Covid-NITeen is an exciting step-by-step project and competition for NI students, from year 10 and up, to create new and innovative digital or product-based business ideas that can help address some of the key problems that the pandemic has caused for Education and Learning, Retail and Hospitality, Physical and Mental Health and Wellbeing and Social interactions.

Facilitated by leading startup community and media company Startacus, in partnership with Young Enterprise NI, the virtual Covid-NITeen project will enable students across Northern Ireland to go through the journey of identifying pandemic-related social and business challenges, creating innovative solutions, conceptualising a brand, culminating in leading industry judges judging the best selected ideas.

Alastair Cameron, co-founder of online startup platform and community Startacus explained the aims of the event:

“None of us could have predicted the challenges we have all faced over the past year. However despite those challenges, the strength and resilience that has been shown by our young people has been remarkable.

The experiences they have been through will really shape how we as a society deal with issues in years to come. After all, our students are the entrepreneurs of the future - they are our innovators.”

Chris McCreery, Director of NI Science Festival said:

“This year, more than others, we hope the programme can provide additional support to educators everywhere working to engage and excite their students while delivering distance learning.”

NI schools will have 6 weeks from the 10th February to use the STEM-focused resource and will be given access to take part via Young Enterprise NI who are hosting the resource.  

Carol Fitzsimons MBE, Chief Executive at Young Enterprise Northern Ireland said:

“The last year has demonstrated the ability of young people to adapt and thrive in the online learning environment. We are delighted to be working with Startacus and NI Science Festival to bring this opportunity to explore their creativity and understand how to bring their ideas to life.” 

In April, and after all shortlisted entries are reviewed, the judging panel will select three winning students or teams who each will receive a Covid-NITeen trophy and prize! 

Interested NI-based schools and teachers should contact leigh@startacus.net to be given the school code for access.

 

 

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Published on: 8th February 2021