Institution sponsors SAIMechE Technology Olympiad

The Institution is one of the proud sponsors of the Technology Olympiad 2012, an annual competition hosted by the South African Institution of Mechanical Engineering (SAIMechE). The main aim of the competition is to raise the profile of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects in secondary schools across South Africa by inspiring them to be creative and design a product as specified in the guidelines.

The challenge for 2012 is based around Bloodhound SSC, which further aims to inspire the next generation of engineers but is also especially relevant in South Africa, as the car is due to be raced in the Hakskeenpan desert in 2013. The teams must design and build a jet propelled vehicle that will travel the distance of 3m and return, with the energy from compressed air in a 2 litre coke bottle(s) being the only source of energy used to propel the vehicle. James Hobbs, Marketing Director of the Institution said, “We are proud to be sponsoring this competition and supporting the SAIMechE in its quest to encourage students across South Africa to take on STEM subjects.

"It’s important to acknowledge that Bloodhound has a global appeal, and will be inspiring children across the SA region to be innovative and creative throughout this competition. The Institution sees this as the perfect opportunity to emphasize our vision of inspiring the next generation as well as celebrate the engineering masterpiece that is, Bloodhound SSC." SAIMechE also hosted the prestigious John Orr memorial lectures throughout November 2011, which saw Bloodhound driver Andy Green tour the country and present the series whilst recalling his adventures so far and the Project's aims over the coming years.

The schools that enter will be offered free workshops by facilitators, and given the chance to compete in regional heats before the finalists are chosen to take part in the national competition at Camp Discovery in September. The winning team will then go on to receive:

• 1st year engineering bursary
• Notebook computer
• VIP guests at the 2013 Bloodhound world land speed record event (all expenses paid!)

Visit the Technology Olympiad website for more information about the competition.