Future Talent

The BIMA Schools Digital Challenge 2011

Does your school or college have what it takes to win the British Interactive Media Association (BIMA) Schools Digital Challenge? The Challenge is our annual competition held in partnership with key industry organisations, including our main partner, Channel 4. It's part of our drive to inspire young people to get involved in the digital industry and is open to students aged 13-18.

The BIMA Schools Digital Challenge brief for 2011

We've asked teams in schools and colleges to come up with a digital solution that provides real practical benefits for their community. We've deliberately kept the brief broad because we want young people to use their imaginations.

Teams need to combine creativity and technology with real social benefits, but students don't need to be digital geniuses to take part – good ideas are more important than technical expertise.

The challenge is to think of an idea, work it into a concept and present a plan. We hope that teams will also develop ways of practically applying their plans as much as time and resources allow.

How the BIMA Schools Digital Challenge works

• The BIMA Schools Digital Challenge is open to students at secondary schools and academies.
• Schools will present entries prepared by groups of students in response to a creative brief.
• Entries will be concept-driven. Designs can be provided as artwork prepared on computers, or teams can take a more advanced approach using interactive technology.
• Groups will also be asked to prepare a video diary or a blog of the process they followed from first thoughts to completion.
• Entries will be judged by a panel of industry experts.
• Prizes will be awarded to the winning schools.
• The 2011 BIMA Schools Digital Challenge awards will be presented and entries displayed at Channel 4 in London on July 5th. Senior figures from industry, academia and government will be invited.
• Individual prizes will be awarded to outstanding individual pupils & teachers on winning teams

The BIMA Schools Digital Challenge timetable

• Register your school or college's interest in the BIMA Schools Digital Challenge online 
• You'll receive full details, outlining the BIMA Schools Digital Challenge 
• Submit a paragraph or 2 outlining each idea by 16 January 2011
• Shortlisted applicants will be notified by 31 January 2011
• Shortlisted applicants submit completed entries by 14 May 2011
• Award winners will be notified in June 2011.
• Awards will be presented at Channel 4 in London on July 5th 2011.