Northampton schoolgirl's invention shortlisted for top prize

The contest run by Your Life - an industry-led and Government-supported campaign showcasing careers using science and maths, is voted for by the public.

Lara Pieckza, aged 16, from Northampton High School, one of just six finalists, invented a collapsible spacer device for asthmatics, making it to the shortlisting stage from 140 entries nationwide.

Your Life’s competition saw teenagers across the country come up with ideas for new inventions, with Lara’s invention turned into a video being promoted on You Tube for the public vote.

The shortlisted entries in two categories from 11-13 and 14-16 year-olds were turned into videos by Your Life’s digital content team and with 20% of votes coming from the public vote and 80% from judges’ scores - entries being judged on their innovation, creativity and practicality.

Two winners will be announced on Tuesday June 21 by Your Life’s patron Beth Tweddle at Your Life’s event during London Tech Week.

Head of the judging panel and Your Life non-exec director, Dr. Ros Rivaz, said: “Judging this year has been tough with the entries of a really high standard. “It is so encouraging that top of young people’s concerns are solutions within health and also how to use renewable energy.” Other finalists include a horse heat detector and a carbon capture chamber.