Applications are now open for the newly introduced Young & Talented Cornwall Spirit of Trevithick Award.

The scheme, created to support promising young individuals in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM), aims to propel Cornwall’s future innovators to achieve their utmost potential.

The award bears its origins from Cornwall’s flourishing innovation industry, covering diverse areas from geoscience and space technology to mineral development and offshore power.

READ MORE: Park and ride could be 'reimagined' after bus company quits running it

Since 2005, the initiators of this award, Young & Talented Cornwall, The Lord Lieutenant’s Fund, has provided more than £400,000 in grants to future stars across various skills domains.

Sponsored by local leaders Cornish Lithium, Wildanet, and Exeter University, the fund particularly seeks to help those facing social, personal, or financial challenges.

Successful applicants will receive guidance from established Cornwall-based businesses or innovators, along with up to £2,000 for project development or to contribute towards specific career-enhancing equipment.

The selection panel consists of professionals from the science, engineering, and technology sectors.

Under the chairmanship of Award Curator, Ian Jones, CEO of Goonhilly Space Station, the panel includes Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho, Lord Lieutenant Cornwall, among others.

Mr Jones commented on the award launch at Goonhilly Earth Station: "Cornwall has a rich heritage full of pioneering feats which combined with a culture for doing things differently has created a modern-day hotbed for innovation.

"The Young & Talented Cornwall Spirit of Trevithick Award champions the innovators of tomorrow and aims to inspire youngsters to reach for their dreams, whatever their background."

Colonel Sir Bolitho said: "The Spirit of Trevithick Award taps into a fresh sense of curiosity and discovery among the county’s youngsters and encourages them to apply their brilliant minds to the future of Cornwall."

The award is open to 16 to 23-year-olds, with the deadline for applications set for March 2024. More information can be found on www.youngandtalentedcornwall.org.