Young entrepreneurs from Cumbrian schools showcase hope for the future

Schools from Cumbria Education Trust (CET) were competing in the Innovate Final, where young minds gathered to present their visionary solutions aimed at tackling pressing environmental and social challenges.

Students from William Howard School in Brampton took the secondary honours (Image: Submitted)

Thirteen teams, each representing their schools with enthusiasm and determination, competed at The Whitehaven Academy for the prestigious title of CET Innovate Champions 2024. Armed with prototypes, vibrant display boards, and even business cards, the future innovators highlighted their ingenuity and commitment to making a positive impact.

The teams, who had all won through in-school competitions, also had to pitch their ideas to a panel of internal and external judges.

The Whitehaven Academy team showing off their entry (Image: Submitted)

From primary schools, Carlisle’s Caldew Lea Primary School’s World Savers introduced a Recycling Classifier to revolutionise waste management, while Castle Carrock Primary School’s Creators unveiled the environmentally friendly SmartStick.

Hensingham Primary School presented Boxman, an innovative solution tackling environmental challenges, and Longtown Primary School’s Wildlife Company promoted Fern the Robot, designed to protect and nurture wildlife.

The Energy Enthusiasts of Workington's Northside Primary (Image: Submitted)

For the secondary schools, The Whitehaven Academy’s Eco Committee proposed a Youth Climate Summit to empower young leaders in climate action.

Workington Academy introduced The Sewer Securer, filtering water and collecting waste sustainably, and William Howard School proposed Connect-us to create community havens for refugees and address housing challenges.

Whitehaven's Hensingham Primary making their pitch to judges (Image: Submitted)

In the end, the judges were most impressed by the innovative approach and social impact of William Howard School and Petteril Bank School’s ECO SOL, who introduced Primary School Tree Nurseries Tree Seedling Kits to promote environmental education.

These teams were crowned CET Innovate Champions 2024, for showing their creativity and also a commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

Workington Academy's Sewerage Securers (Image: Submitted)

A spokesperson for the trust said: “The Innovate Final was not just a competition but a testament to the passion and dedication of these young innovators towards safeguarding our planet and promoting social justice.

“Each team not only presented a concept but also ignited hope for a brighter, more inclusive future.”