Future Talent

The BIMA Schools Digital Challenge: inspiring future talent

It's our annual competition for students aged 11-18. We hold it in partnership with Channel 4 and other key industry organisations as part of our drive to inspire young people to get involved in the digital industry.

What does the BIMA Schools Digital Challenge involve?

This year, we've asked teams in schools and colleges to come up with a digital solution that provides real practical benefits for their community.

What do you have to do?

Teams need to combine creativity and technology with real social benefits. You don't have to be a digital genius to take part – good ideas are more important than technical expertise – but it's an opportunity to use exciting technologies, as well as to build lasting links with your community.

Who is involved in the 2011 BIMA Schools Digital Challenge?

This year we have some big name sponsors and supporters. The full list is as follows:

Sponsors:

• Channel 4
• Sky Creative
• Microsoft  
• Propel
• Sheridans
• Redweb
• Kempt
• Mando
• SSAT

Supporters:

• NMA
• Contagious
• Sony Music
• EMI
• Warner Bros
• 20th Century Fox
• JustGiving

What can you win?

Awards range from technology for schools and individuals to invitations from leading interactive media companies to visit working studios or company headquarters.

How do you enter?

If you think your school or college has what it takes to win an award, register now.

Entries for this year are now closed but we'd be delighted if you could join us on July 5th for the 2011 Schools Digital Challenge Awards presentation. If you'd like to attend please contact Henry Carroll to confirm your place

How can companies get involved?

You can provide sponsorship, prizes or awards as a BIMA Schools Digital Challenge partner. It's a great opportunity to get involved with this exciting project and should generate excellent local and national PR and press coverage.  If you would like to become a partner please contact Henry Carroll.

How can agencies get involved?

‘Adopt a School’ is a new initiative associated with the Challenge whereby BIMA members are asked to encourage entries by supporting a local school or college – perhaps one with which they already have some contact.  Getting involved in supporting a school should not be time-consuming – perhaps helping by addressing an assembly, some mentoring, evaluation of ideas and maybe a short workshop or two – in fact a little input or assistance here or there is all that should be offered as entries to the Challenge need to be largely students’ / pupils’ own work.  Any BIMA member who wishes to be part of this unique opportunity to inspire young people to get involved in the digital industry should advise the BIMA office of the name of the school they will be mentoring or the area where they would like to find a school to "Adopt", and the name of the person within the agency who will be the contact to enable BIMA to keep in touch.