Boy Wins "Girl's In Tech," Competition

A 13-year-old boy won a competition that was part of a campaign to attract teenage girls to the fields of science, technology, engineering and maths.

17:06 29 February 2016

EDF Energy has launched its Pretty Curious Programme that was initially aimed at attracting girls to the fields of science, technology, engineering and maths. The UK competition was later opened to all 11-16-years old and eventually won by a 13-year-old boy.

 

The winner’s idea was for a games controller that harnesses kinetic energy from thumb action using wind-up triggers.

 

Three of the four runners-up were girls whose ideas included smart curtains, a smart fridge and a sleep monitor.

 

Amy Edmundson, an electrical maintenance technician at EDF, said: "We were really impressed with the ideas which were submitted. It's exciting to see so many young people getting involved in this type of initiative and engaging with Stem (science, technology, engineering and maths). We hope more young people will be inspired to pursue Stem subjects at school and consider Stem careers in future.”

 

Computer scientist Dr Sue Black OBE added: "Congratulations to the winner - but I'd love to hear from EDF how the winning solution meets their stated aim for the competition," said computer scientist Dr Sue Black OBE.

 

"It is taking me a bit of time to work out how this result will change girls' perceptions of Stem."