Encourage creative thinking for the next generation
The Young Innovators Awards (yia!) is a dynamic and forward-thinking initiative designed to foster innovative thinking and creativity among the youth of the Western Bay of Plenty region.
Born from a desire to prepare the next generation for a rapidly evolving future, yia! provides a platform for students from intermediate and secondary schools to explore Design Thinking, fostering skills essential for future success.
By challenging young minds to develop unique products or services, yia! bridges the gap between education and the evolving professional world, empowering the next generation of creative thinkers and problem-solvers..
What’s the challenge?
Your challenge is to come up with an innovative product or service. It can be an original idea, or you can adapt your entry from other in-school projects/competitions (e.g. technology/science/business, YES).
You can enter individually or as a team of up to five students from your school or from other Instep schools.
What can i win?
-
First place winners receive prize money of $1000.
All second-place winners receive $750, and third place receives $500. Additional internships may also be awarded at the judges’ discretion.
The People’s Choice Award is awarded to one winner from each category, which is a $200 cash prize. -
First place winners receive valuable internship experiences with some of the Bay’s top innovative businesses, plus prize money of $1000.
All second-place winners receive $750, and third place receives $500. Additional internships may also be awarded at the judges’ discretion.
The People’s Choice Award is awarded to one winner from each category, which is a $200 cash prize. -
First place winners receive valuable internship experiences with some of the Bay’s top innovative businesses, plus prize money of $2000.
All second-place winners receive $750, and third place receives $500. Additional internships may also be awarded at the judges’ discretion.
The People’s Choice Award is awarded to one winner from each category, which is a $200 cash prize.
-
We believe that everyone has the potential to be innovative, and we're here to help you unleash your creativity!
We're looking for extraordinary ideas that address real-world problems. They could be based on anything in your life that you are passionate about.
Your entry will be judged by the following criteria:
The Problem
How well you identify your problem or need, and evidence of research that shows it is a real issue.
The Customer
How well you understand the needs of your target audience and the changes you've made to reflect this.
The Solution
Your ability to explain your idea, how it solves the problem, and why it's better than what's currently available.
Sustainability
How well you have considered factors that would impact people and communities related to your idea.
Communication
Your ability to use a variety of communication styles, including a well planned and executed video.
About the judges
Learn from the best! Our judging panel includes celebrated local innovators and international guest judges from diverse backgrounds. Get inspired by their knowledge and expertise. yia! is judged by renowned New Zealand and international innovators from brands including Nike, Google, Apple, WETA Workshop and Google.
Register Now
Register Now
All you need is your name, email address, school and school year.