BIRMINGHAM - A sixteen-year-old Zimbabwean student, who moved to the United Kingdom with her parents three years ago, has won national recognition courtesy of her innovative engineering project aimed at making global shipping more sustainable.
Tadiwa Nyikadzino, a Year 11 pupil at Outwood Academy Valley in Worksop, has been named winner of the Network Rail Innovation in Transport Award at The Big Bang Competition, one of the UK’s most prestigious competitions for young engineers, scientists and technologists.
The talented teenager designed a “Generation Hybrid Cargo Ship Powered by Forces of the Ocean”, a vessel capable of producing its own clean hydrogen fuel while travelling.
She said her project was inspired by the environmental impact of cargo ships, which are responsible for significant levels of global pollution.
Using wind, water flow and wave energy to generate hydrogen fuel on board, the design removed the need for limited hydrogen refuelling ports and offered a sustainable solution for the future of international shipping.
The winners of the competition, which recognises and rewards talented young innovators, were announced during an awards ceremony at The Big Bang Fair. The event took place at Birmingham’s NEC from June 9 to 11.
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Judges praised the high standard of entries submitted by finalists.
Ian Russell, regional head for sustainable growth at Network Rail and one of the judges, said: “Well done Tadiwa! We were lucky enough to listen to some fantastic presentations where the standard was extremely high and yours was a standout to us."
Russell said Tadiwa's project stood out because of the depth of thinking and research exhibited throughout the design process, and the identification of a very unique solution.
“We need talented young people to enter the railway industry to help us innovate and meet the evolving needs of our passengers in the future.
“This is why we are so passionate about giving young people the opportunity to showcase their ideas through "The Big Bang Competition.”
Hilary Leevers, the chief executive of EngineeringUK, said: “Massive congratulations to Tadiwa and all the winners and runners-up.
“Their curiosity and creativity have driven them to produce some brilliant STEM projects addressing some really big societal problems.
“They should all be very proud of their dedication and hard work.
“Competitions like The Big Bang help young people connect their passions with making a real-world difference, it shows young people a future in engineering and technology is possible for them.”
Tadiwa was born in Zimbabwe and did her primary education at Stanley Primary School in Gweru before moving to Thornhill High School for her secondary education.
She later moved to the UK in 2023 together with her father Trust Nyikadzino, a former police officer, and her four siblings to join her mother Beatrice Tasara Nyikadzino nee Nerumedzo who had already relocated overseas earlier.
Tadiwa's father was over the moon over her daughter's achievement.
“I am out of words right now. I only thank God for all this,” he said.
Tadiwa said she aspires to pursue an engineering career.
Caption: At The Big Bang awards ceremony are: Kamini Edgley (Sustainable growth and business development director at Network Rail), Tadiwa Nyikadzino (winner), Hilary Leevers (Chief executive of EngineeringUK)