It's that time again where we bring our challenge winners' ideas to life! A beloved part of the challenge process, our magnificient makers are busy planning and prototyping and are soon to hold a fully realised make in their hands.

Through the Powering the Future: South Tyneside and Beyond! challenge, we have introduced children across year four and year five in South Tyneside to the possibilities within renewable energy and the wonders of invention. We are currently well into the second year of the challenge.

Little inventors participating have invented using wind and invented to produce renewable energy from movement. The challenge is supported by our partners Dogger Bank Wind Farm and South Tyneside Council.

Let's take a look at this year's assembly of makers as we welcome back familiar faces and say hello to some brand new talent...

Returning for another year, Ryder Architecture are a prestigious architectural firm founded in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1953. They have designed everything from residential buildings to schools to offices, including the work of art that is Tombola House in Sunderland. They connect people to places, from the room to the city.

During year one of the challenge, Ryder brought to life Sleep and H2O 2000 by Jack, age 10, from South Shields. Jack's compassionate invention utilises solar energy to heat self-sustainable homeless shelters and they harvest rainwater too! Ryder's impeccible expertise saw Sleep and H2O 2000 brought to life as an animation that included a self-guided, fully immersive 360-degree tour.

This year, Ryder will make Odin and Jude's dream of a football pitch that is powered by the clapping of fanatic fans a reality. See Ryder's maker profile here.

North Star boasts an impressive 135 years of experience. They own and operate the largest wholly UK-owned fleet engaged in the UK’s offshore industry in the North Sea. They provide offshore infrastructure support 24/7, every day of the year and applied their many skills during the first year of the challenge.

North Star worked with Chartwell Marine to bring to life Tommy, age 9 from Hebburn's brilliant idea Litter Picker Boat. This innovative sea vessel uses wind to propel through the ocean collecting waste and cleaning things up. North Star delivered a wonderful, meticulously designed visual of the boat and all of its components, both internal and external.

During year two, North Star will tackle Hi Fish. An idea from Harris, age 10 from South Shields, it uses wind energy to power a camera that monitors the behaviour of fish and the condition of our oceans. Take a look at their profile here.

A retired engineer, long-time inventor, and STEM enthusiast, John Parnum was a valuable addition to our cohort of makers during year one of the challenge. John has also participated in workshops and events we have delivered, amazing visitors and children with the collection of inventions and devices he has created.

John's passion was evident as he brought to life Joey, age 10 from Boldon Colliery's idea The Toilet Turbine. This invention proves that magic begins with every flush. The rush of water powers a turbine which in turn produces energy to sustainably power homes.

This time around, John is busy creating Cole, age 10 from Hebburn's idea TV Trampoline. Bounce away and you can power your TV for hours! See detailed descriptions of John's maker process here.

Foxworks Engineering is a new addition to our maker crew this year, with founder Craig Fox at the helm. Foxworks specialises in mechanical design, photo realistic renders, prototyping, and 3D printing. Craig is also a keen STEM supporter and is super on board with our creative, educational ethos.

The company will bring to life Leash McLeashy 2000, invented by Lilli-Rose, age 10, from South Shields. So much more than just a dog lead, the invention generates electricity which travels through the leash so you can charge your phone as you walk your dog.

Access info all about the making process here.

Anton Steenken specialises in CAD (computer-aided-design) and 3D animation. He is the CEO at Albus Vision, they concentrate on the areas of product development and prototyping with a particular focus on start-ups and innovation. Anton has previously joined us as a talented, experienced maker to bring three winning ideas from the Climate Champions Chile! challenge to life.

A fresh face to the Powering the Future challenge, Anton will be working with burgeoning inventor Henry, age 9 from South Shields. Together, they will imagine and bring to life The Running Turbine, a visually stunning and practical invention that runs to wherever the wind is blowing to maximise its energy output.

Take a look at how Anton realises his makes here.

Lottie Smith is a gifted and multi-faceted designer, specialising in cardboard art on a grand scale. She has crafted works for Seven Stories and the Sunderland Empire to name a few and she is no stranger to a Little Inventors challenge. Lottie has brought to life a host of ideas and acts as our workshop facilitator. Her previous protoypes include The Compost Bee and The Sea Sweeper 1000.

However, this will be Lottie's first interaction with the Powering the Future challenge and she will be working on Floral Turbine. This wind turbine not only provides greener, sustainable power but it is adorned with gorgeous, fragrant flowers that gently condition and scent the air as it spins. This make is sure to be a beauty!

Look into Lottie's amazing work here.

All six makers are hard at work envisioning, designing, and constructing a very special idea thought up by a budding little inventor. Stay tuned for the unveiling of all five prototypes!