The Cotswold Challenge is now in its second year and was originally set up by a group of self-employed entrepreneurs during the 2020 lockdown to provide a positive outlet for young people. The challenge allows the future generation to express their vision, feelings, and thoughts. The work submitted will be judged by a group of inspirational and professional people including Ntegra's Andy Langley.

Within the Innovation & Enterprise Category, Andy and the other judges are looking for entrants to put their thoughts onto paper for an innovative idea, an entrepreneurial service, an invention, or an initiative that could solve a common problem.

“I’m thrilled to be one of the judges of the Innovation & Enterprise Category for The Cotswold Challenge 2021 where young people aged between 15 and 19 (in Years 11, 12, 13 at School, College or in equivalent training) can submit their ideas.
In our community, there are talented teenagers who may not even realise they have an idea which would work in the ‘real world’. I would encourage them all to submit their idea around creating something new, improving something or solving a problem in society or in business.”

At Ntegra, we are committed to supporting young people within the local Swindon area and embracing new upcoming talent.

“As we move further into the digital age, we are in need of so many skills in Swindon, Wiltshire and the Southwest. Many young people lack confidence and yet they have great ideas and they often have a refreshing perspective. My advice is to not be afraid and go for it!”

Andy has come up with five ideas that could work in the Innovation & Design category:

 · A product/service/digital solution which is entirely new and which serves a    practical purpose.

 · A product/service/digital solution which brings joy and happiness to people.

 · A product/service/digital solution which is based on something well known yet is    improved through a modification or a modernisation.

 · A product/service/digital solution which offers a way to tackle some of the UK’s    big issues around sustainability, recycling, waste or climate change.

 · A well thought out idea for setting up a new business in the digital age.
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“Many teenagers may think that innovation means they have to create something entirely new however that’s not the case. Innovation means many things. It can mean improving on something that already exists, it can mean plugging a gap in a business or manufacturing process, or it can mean a business idea and a clear vision of how to make it into a reality.”

The Cotswold Challenge is open for entries until the evening of Tuesday, 6th July 2021.

There is a top prize of £500 in three categories of Art & Design, Creative Writing & Innovation & Enterprise. Second prize is £300, third prize is £100 and there are some runner-up prizes too. New for this year is The Special Recognition Award for Outstanding Talent. One student from each of the three categories will be chosen to receive a £250 prize by the founding team for their contribution.

To find out more on how to enter visit: www.thecotswoldchallenge.com‍