HIP2B² 3M Innovation Challenge now open for entry

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Entrants who make it through to the final round will benefit from exposure to 3M’s wealth of intellectual and product resources, in support of their quest to become South Africa’s Top Young Innovator.

Backed by the Department of Education, the Challenge is the brainchild of 3M and HIP2B², and is designed to inspire innovation in everyday life.

HIP2B² was founded in 2002 to promote the study of maths, science and technology-related subjects as a means to develop problem solving skills and analytical thinking. Its ultimate aim is to contribute towards a growing culture of entrepreneurship, which will better ensure South Africa’s future economic prosperity.

“We rely on strong corporate partnerships such as the one we have with 3M to keep on making a difference in the lives of South African learners, by unlocking their ‘inner innovator’ through fun, well-structured and well-resourced educational programmes such as the Challenge,” said Cathryn Payne,MD of HIP2B².

“3M is committed to the success of this project, providing financial support, product support and human resources and opening up its company facilities to our enthusiastic young competitors. It is through these types of excellent partnerships that HIP2B² is able to present events that deliver the impact both organisations strive for.”

“Previous challenges have been a great success and made a massive impact on those learners who participated,” said Lizelle de Bruin, organiser of the event.

Learners are invited to enter this year’s competition, in teams of two, their own innovation for a solution to a real problem that affects them, their family or their community, using science and maths applications. Two finalists per province will be selected by a judging panel of representatives from HIP2B², 3M and other industry experts with a science or technical background. Entry forms are available on the website www.hip2b2.com, Facebook HIP2B² or email az.oc.aidemww@ofni.

Later in the year, the winning regional finalists from all five provinces will be given career and personal development experiences with industry specialists and mentors at 3M headquarters in Johannesburg, culminating with a presentation of their conceived innovations to a judging panel.