APPLICATIONS are open for the Young & Talented Cornwall Spirit of Trevithick Award, giving the county’s next generation of innovators the chance to kick-start their careers and achieve their potential.

Named after Camborne engineer Richard Trevithick, the funding and mentoring programme is designed to support 14- to 23-year-olds showing outstanding promise in the areas of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

It draws upon Cornwall’s thriving innovation sector, which covers everything from geoscience and space technology to mineral development and offshore power.

Successful applicants will be matched with an established Cornwall-based company or innovator for expert mentorship and guidance. They will also be given access to a cash award of up to £2,000 for the development of a particular project, or to contribute to a specific piece of equipment that contributes to their career progress.

The award brings together some of Cornwall’s most esteemed professionals, including Goonhilly Space Station chief executive Ian Jones, who will chair the panel assessing applications.  

The grants panel includes Cornwall College principal John Evans; Professor Camille Bonneaud, director of the University of Exeter’s Environment and Sustainability Institute; TECwomen founder Caitlin Gould and Matthew Kenworthy Gomes, astrophysicist and chief executive of Cornwall Pride.

Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho, Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall and chair of Young & Talented Cornwall, also joins the panel alongside Professor Alan Livingston, former Vice Chancellor of Falmouth University.

The award is the latest initiative of Young & Talented Cornwall, The Lord Lieutenant’s Fund, which since 2005 has provided grants of over £400,000 to promising youngsters across a wide range of skills areas. Sponsored by local businesses including Cornish Lithium and Wildanet, as well as Exeter University, the fund particularly seeks to support those facing social barriers, personal challenges or financial restraints.

Ian Jones commented: “Cornwall has a rich heritage full of pioneering feats combined with a culture for doing things differently, creating a modern-day hotbed for innovation. In this far-flung peninsula, we are leading the way with cutting-edge technologies and pushing boundaries in research and scientific advancements.

“The Young & Talented Cornwall Spirit of Trevithick Award aims to inspire youngsters to reach for their dreams, whatever their background.”

The deadline for applications is September 30 - visit www.youngandtalentedcornwall.org