WJEC’s Innovation Awards showcase talented Welsh students
Wales’ brightest young inventors were recognised for their creative ideas at our 25th annual Innovation Awards.
In parallel to previous years, the 25th Innovation Awards encouraged young people in Wales to be technologically innovative and appreciate the importance of design and technology. It was also a reflection on the legacy of Welsh inventors and acknowledges their contributions. Some of the world’s most groundbreaking inventions have come from Welsh inventors, such as the electronic breathalyser, The RIB Boat and the modern microphone.
This year’s inventions were no exception, and included a ‘bike beacon’ that could solve an everyday challenge faced by cyclists, a ‘block start acceleration tracker’ that offers a portable and easy to use solution which has been developed to integrate within an existing system and a ‘forever flare’ that identifies an innovative and safe solution for individuals who find themselves in a challenging situation.
Lewis Barnes, a student from Brynteg Comprehensive School, secured the first-place prize for AS Level and the Overall Winner for their innovative design of a ‘block start acceleration tracker’.
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On his win, Lewis said: “I've made an acceleration tracker for sprinters. It basically uses a reel coming from the back of the starting blocks. It also uses a speaker to start the athletes off, and then when they start, it tracks the acceleration on an app that I designed on the coach's or user's phone. I'm a sprinter myself, so I was sort of inspired from problems that I come across in daily training life. Winning this award is a real boost. It's going to help with applications for university, and it motivates me with my A-level projects. I'd like to thank my D&T teacher, Mr Harper, and my parents. That's where the ideas come from and all the help”. |
Other winners include Huw Davies from Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi, in the A Level category for their design titled ‘forever flare’ and Henry Farr from Welshpool High School, in the GCSE category, for their design titled ’bike beacon’.
Award Winners 2025
A Level
1st – Huw Davies, Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi
2nd – Dylan Draper, St John Baptist Church in Wales High School
3rd – Madison Burgess, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Edern
AS Level
1st – Lewis Barnes, Brynteg Comprehensive School
2nd – Gruffudd Thomas, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Edern
3rd – Lucy Moyes, Ysgol Bro Pedr
GCSE
1st – Henry Farr, Welshpool High School
2nd – Glesni Rees, Ysgol Bro Pedr
3rd – Matthew Evans, Ysgol Bro Preseli
Other Awards
Creativity Prize – Mari Lois Williams, Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor, Pwllheli
Intellectual Property Prize – Tegid Harper, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Edern
Science Prize – Alfie Smith, Bishop of Llandaff Church in Wales High School
Images from the event are available to view here
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Ian Morgan, our Chief Executive, said: “The Innovation Awards are one of the most significant events in our calendar, and it is a real privilege to showcase the remarkable talent emerging from schools across Wales. The standard of creativity, problem-solving and technical skill on display this year has been exceptional. “I want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to everyone who entered, and especially to our winners. The commitment, imagination and effort behind these projects is genuinely inspiring. “As Wales looks to strengthen its position in an increasingly competitive world, the role of design and technology will only grow in importance. The ideas we have seen in these awards show just how bright the future is, and I am excited to see where these young innovators take their talents next.” |
Lynne Neagle MS, Cabinet Secretary for Education, Welsh Government, said:
“Congratulations to all those who have been recognised in these awards. Your achievement reflects the outstanding quality of design and technology talent we have here in Wales. This is a sector that inspires creativity, drives innovation, and develops the practical skills that are so vital to our economy and communities.
“Design and technology education gives young people the confidence to solve real-world problems, and the ambition to shape the Wales of the future. I want to thank everyone involved – learners, teachers, industry partners and families – for the commitment and passion you bring to this field.
“These awards are not just a celebration, but a reminder of the vital role this discipline plays in building a prosperous, dynamic and forward-looking nation.”
For further information about the competition visit the Innovation Awards page.