Project ideas

Looking for a project idea? 

Deciding what to make for your Bright Sparks entry can be hard! When you look around for inspiration, it seems like everything that's any good has already been invented. Of course, that's not the case - not by a long shot. Remember that inventors in the 1800s felt the same way, and we've seen a lot since then.

The best inventions make life easier for the people who use them. While our judges will be looking for evidence of technological sophistication, it's more important that your project works! While a hoverboard might make for a fantastic entry, be realistic about your chances of finishing it.

Also keep in mind that your entry doesn't have to be a completely finished product - it can also be a 'proof of concept' that demonstrates that the principles behind your idea are sound. 

To help you come up with the idea for your next project, we've included a few entries from previous years below: 

Remote controlled or autonomous robots always make for an interesting entry, especially as there's so many different forms they can take and purposes they could serve.      

Priya Mittal designed a doorbell that could call its owner's cellphone if they were away. 

Sean Jones was sick of his brother snooping in his room, so he invented Robotic Room Guard, which could sound the alarm.

Scott Drake's project was a proof-of-concept for a Laser Tag game. 

While it's important to be realistic, sometimes it's also important to dream big. Steven McCabe invented a working remote controlled submarine! 

In 2007 we even received a working set of night-vision goggles.