The Inform Prize is set to return for its 12th year, giving computer science students the opportunity to present their university projects to industry professionals.

Launched in 2014 and funded by Aberdeen-based software company Intelligent Plant, the competition is designed to encourage students to think about how they communicate their ideas and research findings to local employers, while promoting closer links between academia and industry.

For the first time, the event will run in two locations. The Glasgow edition will take place on 17 September at the Social Hub, followed by the Aberdeen event on 24 September at the OGV Taproom. The expansion is expected to generate “friendly rivalry” between participating universities — Robert Gordon University and the University of Aberdeen in the north-east, and Glasgow-based institutions in the west.

This year’s keynote speaker – for the Aberdeen event – will be Sally Walker, former Director of Cyber at GCHQ. Walker brings over 25 years of experience in cyber intelligence, having led several critical operations during her career, including cybersecurity measures for the London 2012 Olympics. Since leaving the intelligence service, she has focused on promoting growth and innovation, mentoring professionals, driving business transformation, and championing women in leadership roles.

The keynote for the Glasgow event has still to be announced (watch this space).

How the competition works

Students are tasked with creating a digital solution to a real-world problem. Their projects are showcased through short videos demonstrating the product in action, followed by a question-and-answer session with a panel of judges.

On the day, each team has a stand where they can demo their app or software to attendees, including potential employers. Teams are encouraged to bring laptops or mobile devices for demonstrations, and to prepare business cards or other contact information to help with networking.

The Aberdeen event has been running annually since 2014, and the organisers say the expansion to Glasgow aims to create more opportunities for students to engage with industry.

Awards and categories

Multiple prizes will be awarded this year:

Inform Prize – Best Presentation

Enhance Prize – Best Implementation

Grow Prize – Best Idea

Both events are free to attend, with tickets available via Eventbrite (Glasgow here and Aberdeen here). Updates will be shared in the run-up to the events on LinkedIn through VeryConnect for the Glasgow edition and Intelligent Plant for Aberdeen.

Commenting, Steve Aitken, Founder, Intelligent Plant, said: “The Inform Prize is an incredibly special event for me and the rest of the team. Each year, it’s fantastic to see the creative and innovative ideas that students bring, and the engagement between the students and industry attendees.

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“Scotland’s universities are brimming with talent, and events such as the Inform Prize really helps to connect students with local opportunities while showcasing that talent to industry.

“It’s a win-win that helps build stronger ties between academia and the professional world. It’s especially exciting to host two events this year, made possible thanks to the support of VeryConnect for the inaugural Glasgow event.”