What are the Bright Sparks Awards

Every year scores of 11-18 year-olds from around New Zealand develop technologically advanced projects using their electronics, programming or engineering skills and enter them into the Bright Sparks Competition. The projects can be whatever they like – which means the resulting inventions are as varied as their inventors! The annual Bright Sparks Awards is where we showcase the innovation of these young people – and help connect them with key movers and shakers in the hi-tech industry.

On this site you’ll find profiles of the finalists, as well as videos of their projects in action. We’ve also got inspirational talks from industry players and past winners. You can vote for your favourite project and make comments. Plus, log-on on at 5pm on Tuesday 17 November and you’ll get to see the winners announced live!

With over 2,300 active Bright Sparks members, this year we’ve had dozens of entries into the Bright Sparks competition – and here’s where you can find the top projects. So what are you waiting for? Check out the very best from New Zealand’s next generation of programmers and electronic engineers. Enjoy!

What is Bright Sparks?

For over a decade Bright Sparks has been helping cultivate young people’s technology talents and fostering their interest in hi-tech careers.
The Bright Sparks programme is made up of:

The online Bright Sparks Club, found at www.brightsparks.org.nz. Here over 1,500 active members discuss technology in the ‘Hub’ an online moderated forum, and receive mentoring from others in the hi-tech industry.

Bright Sparks’ National Certificate in Electronics Technology programme, which is designed to promote electronics learning in schools, and typically involves the classroom development of a project from concept to prototype.

The annual Bright Sparks Competition, designed to encourage and celebrate young people’s technology inventions – and help connect them with the hi-tech industry.