SCIENCE and technology enthusiasts can take part in a competition aimed to "inspire the next generation of original thinkers".

More than 40 teachers attended the launch of the annual 3M Young Innovators Challenge, a school competition run by the Bracknell company.

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Teachers representing 24 primary and secondary schools from across Bracknell and Wokingham attended the event on January 16, including 13 schools who attended for the first time.

John Klee, corporate communications manager at 3M, said: “We were delighted to see so many new schools at the launch and to welcome back our returning schools.

“From the feedback we receive each year, we know how highly teachers value the competition as a way of engaging and developing their students’ Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning, communication, team working and other skills.”

The competition has been running since 2017 and has been designed around STEM subjects where students have to create a product which can enhance play, sport or a hobby to make everyday tasks easier for young children with physical disabilities.

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So far, the competition has seen almost 500 students reach the judging stages.

Students will get to take part in challenges such as The Mighty Monument Challenge, where you have to design a lightweight, freestanding structure based on an existing or local building to support a load of up to 10kg.

Crowthorne Church of England Primary School's team Happy Doughnuts won the challenge for their Skydeck Chicago Willis Tower.

Winning schools in each category will receive £750 to spend on science or design and technology equipment, plus there will be prizes for participating students.

3M in Bracknell funds pupils entry into the CREST Award scheme, from the British Science Association, enabling young people to gain a valuable, nationally-recognised external accreditation.

The closing date for entries is March 25.