The 2022 Guernsey Digital Innovators Competition is now open for applicants to showcase their digital skills.
The competition, which is powered by First Central Group and organised by the Digital Greenhouse, opened on 14th February and is looking for teams of up to five post-16 students to build a digital solution to the following problem: ‘Decline in biodiversity is having a dramatic effect on Guernsey’s environment. How can islanders use technology to have a positive impact on biodiversity?’
Lucy Kirby, Director at the Digital Greenhouse, said: “We are working with the island’s young innovators to build and apply their problem-solving skills and knowledge of technology to address real world challenges in our natural environments worldwide. Guernsey is full of new ideas and these opportunities give young people the chance to showcase their solutions and gain valuable time working with industry.”
To develop students’ skills to take on the challenge and to prepare them for a career in the technology and creative sectors, the Digital Greenhouse has run the Digital Innovators Programme.
John Nellis, a College of Further Education student, is currently participating in the programme and said he has found the initiative very educational: “The programme has been great so far; we’ve learnt how to take complex projects and break them down into small achievable tasks. I’ve really enjoyed the problem-solving element and found it valuable to learn how to communicate as a team in a corporate way. We’ve also learnt about identifying the target audience and their needs.
“Our idea is for drones to plant the right seeds for different environments to help wildlife thrive. I would definitely recommend others to take part, the initiative is well recognised by employers, and you can enhance your skills.”
Dan Edmunds, IT Technical Operations Manager at First Central, said: “We’re proud to be able to provide these essential opportunities for young people to improve their technology skills on-island. The students have come up with some good ideas and it’s been great to get involved and help them develop the ideas further. I’m looking forward to seeing the final results.”
Erich Hauptfleisch, Head of Business & Economics, Grammar School & Sixth Form Centre, said: “The Digital Innovators Programme challenges students with real-life problems that needs critical and creative thinking skills to solve. This course is tailored to get students to think laterally and generate ‘outside of the box’ solutions to everyday problems.”
Teams have until 6th May to apply and submit their solutions, which can be entered in any format (e.g. wireframes, prototypes etc.) The solutions will be judged by a panel comprised of experts from First Central and the Digital Greenhouse.
A prize giving will take place on 26 May, where awards for Best Technical Solution and Most Innovative will be presented. More information about the competition and how to enter a team can be found here.
