Applications are now open for the new Young & Talented Cornwall Spirit of Trevithick Award, giving the county’s next generation of innovators the chance to kick-start their careers and achieve their potential.
The funding and mentoring opportunity is designed to support youngsters showing outstanding promise in the areas of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). It celebrates the wealth of opportunities available in the county and seeks to inspire the ‘Richard Trevithicks’ of the future.
The award is the latest initiative of Young & Talented Cornwall, The Lord Lieutenant’s Fund which since 2005 has provided grants of over £400k to budding stars of tomorrow across a wide range of skills areas. Sponsored Cornish Lithium and Wildanet, as well as Exeter University, the fund particularly seeks to support those facing social barriers, personal challenges or financial restraints.
Successful applicants will be matched with an established Cornwall-based company or innovator for mentorship, expert advice and guidance. They will also be given access to a cash award of up to £2k for the development of a particular project, or to contribute to a specific piece of equipment that contributes to their career development.
The Young & Talented Cornwall Spirit of Trevithick Award brings together some of Cornwall’s leading professionals from the science, engineering and technology sector, including Ian Jones, CEO of Goonhilly Space Station who as award curator will chair the panel assessing applications.
He said: “Cornwall has a rich heritage full of pioneering feats which combined with a culture for doing things differently has created a modern-day hotbed for innovation. In this far-flung peninsula, we are leading the way with cutting-edge technologies and pushing boundaries in research and scientific advancements.
“The Young & Talented Cornwall Spirit of Trevithick Award champions the innovators of tomorrow and aims to inspire youngsters to reach for their dreams, whatever their background.”
The first round of the Young & Talented Cornwall Spirit of Trevithick Award is now open to 16 to 23-year-olds, with applications closing in March. For more information, click here.
