YIIC Application Deadline Extended

The Scientific Research Council (SRC) has extended the deadline for entries in the National Young Inventors and Innovators Competition (YIIC) to March 31.

Speaking with JIS News recently, Executive Director, Dr. Charah Watson, said the extension was made in the best interest of students who wish to participate.

“We launched the competition at the end of November, then students went off for Christmas, resumed school in the second week of January and were required to submit their applications by the 26th of the month. This was really not enough time for the teams who would have needed to prepare,” Dr. Watson explained.

The competition is open to students at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels, and the theme for this year’s competition is ‘Youth-Centred Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development’.

Students are invited to come up with project ideas that inspire economic development without depleting the country’s natural resources.

The Executive Director said students can apply online from the Council’s website, which can be accessed at https://src.gov.jm/ or by emailing entries to headsrc@src-jamaica.org.

Shortlisted participants will present their innovative business ideas to a panel of judges ahead of the National Science Fair, which has also been rescheduled to occur during the summer holiday.

The winners will receive electronic gadgets, gift vouchers and prizes that will be awarded for Best Overall Pitch, Best Overall Innovation, Best Commercial Innovation, Best Agriculture Innovation, Best Use of Technology, and Best Youth Impact Innovation.