Counties Energy Innovation Fund Celebrates Youth Visionaries Across Franklin
Innovation Franklin and Counties Energy are proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Counties Energy Innovation Fund. This regional initiative, led by Innovation Franklin, supports and celebrates the next generation of young scientists, engineers and innovators.
Open to Year 9 and 10 students across Franklin, the Fund awarded cash grants to student-led projects that showcased ingenuity, scientific curiosity and a passion for making a difference.
Innovation Franklin board member Mike Marr was excited by the calibre of entries for the initiative’s inaugural year. “The entries reflected not only exceptional quality, but also the passion and creativity of our local innovators. Each project was assessed for its real-world application, creativity, and connection to one or more of the following focus areas: science, technology, energy, digital innovation, engineering and cultural understanding. We’re proud to support the journey of these future leaders.”
After careful review of the submissions, three outstanding projects were selected. Tuakau College took top honours, receiving a $2,000 grant, a trophy and mentoring time with a Counties Energy engineer for their “Solar and Wind Powered Renewable Home System”. This hybrid energy solution integrates solar and wind power using real-time data and intelligent switching to ensure uninterrupted, sustainable energy. Judges were particularly impressed by the team’s deep understanding of energy systems and environmental impact.
Tipene St Stephen’s School was awarded $1,000 for their project “Mara Kai,” which detailed the construction of a greenhouse to support hands-on learning around food sovereignty, sustainability, and mātauranga Māori. Their proposal demonstrated how science education can reconnect students to their whenua (land) and empower communities through knowledge of growing and gathering kai.
A second group from Tuakau College received a $500 grant for their “Sustainable Eco Garden Care System,” a solar-powered watering project designed to support school garden ecosystems through accessible and environmentally friendly technology.
Counties Energy’s General Manager of Safety, Culture and Sustainability, Tracey Kay, shared her congratulations. “It’s inspiring to see the level of innovation and dedication from these young minds. These projects tackle big issues – namely energy, sustainability, and food security – with creative, practical solutions. We look forward to next year and seeing the exciting ideas from our rangatahi.”
Tuakau College Principal Chris Betty said the programme has had a meaningful impact on students’ learning and motivation:
“This initiative has encouraged our students to think deeply about the challenges facing our communities and explore real, practical solutions. It’s given them a platform to shine and connect what they’re learning in science to the real world. We’re extremely proud of the creativity and commitment they’ve shown.”
For more information about the Counties Energy Innovation Fund and Innovation Franklin, visit www.innovationfranklin.org.nz.
