André Kudelski, the CEO of Kudelksi Security, a cyber security provider, and Petra Gössi, a member of the Council of States for the canton of Schwyz and a representative of the FDP political party, have a milestone in common: they have both participated in the Swiss Youth in Science competition. At the end of April, their successors gathered in Fribourg for the final of the 58th competition.
In total, more than 500 young people submitted projects for this year’s competition, with 116 participants making it through to the final. They presented their projects at a three-day exhibition, and their names were announced at the award ceremony in the event hall at the University of Fribourg.
21 projects were judged to be ‘good’, 57 ‘very good’ and 38 ‘excellent’. At the same time, the event’s competition commission handed out the 32 special prizes. The IPI’s special prize went to Romain Blondel from Gymnase Auguste Piccard high school in Lausanne and Ben Martin from Gymnasium Thun high school.
The benefits of quantum computers
Romain (18) took part in the ‘Mathematics/IT’ category with a contribution to the worldwide discussion about the benefits and opportunities of quantum computing. His optimisation theory, which he backed up mathematically, shows what tasks quantum computers are particularly suited for and points in particular to their potential use in Masters courses in software engineering and IT.
Ben Martin, who is only 17, submitted a project in the category ‘History/Geography/Business/Society’. His productivity app enhances users’ to-do lists with playful motivational elements. A pilot version of ‘Powerhour’ is available in app stores for android phones and iPhones.
Long-standing support from the IPI
The IPI supports Swiss Youth in Science as part of its mandate to raise awareness of IP and provide the general public with information on the subject. “In the regional rounds of the event, we stage IP workshops, for example,” explains Christian Moser, the IPI’s representative for Swiss Youth in Science. The young contestants thus gain an initial insight into the world of trade marks and patents.
The IPI’s special prize, which it awarded for the third time, rounds out its current support work. The prize goes to projects with a link to the world of business and that have the potential to be implemented in practice. It therefore includes the chance to participate in the Swiss innovation platform ‘open i’.
An opportunity to make contacts
The successor event to the Swiss Innovation Forum will take place in Zurich in November. It is seen as the display window of the Swiss innovation ecosystem. “Ben and Romain will have the opportunity to meet potential partners from industry and science,” explains Moser.
The competition is important for industry, as Katharina Fromm, Professor in Chemistry and Rector of the University of Fribourg, explained. In her speech at the event, she made it clear to the 116 young finalists that Switzerland is depending on them. “Prosperity and competitiveness can only be secured with creativity and persistence,” she said.
