Digital guru to serve up top tips to young gamers
YOUNG Scots are to be given the chance to work with a world expert in video game development.
Now in its third year, VentureJam 2017 will host 40 young people, aged between 14 and 20.
They will explore radical ideas which could improve lives by looking at the energy systems of the future.
The event, which is organised by Glasgow City of Science and Innovation and Young Scot, will be supported by inspirational mentors from the world of television, gaming, product design and digital media as well as top entrepreneurs and energy gurus.
They will help guide the young people through the challenge to develop innovative ideas for the energy market.
At the end of the three-day workshop, two teams with the best ideas for reducing energy use will go head to head and pitch their ideas.
The overall winner will get a VIP meeting with Chris van der Kuyl, whose company 4J Studios is currently working on console editions of Minecraft for Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo.
Entry is open to all Scots in the age range who are interested in working in teams to create new products, games or interactive art installations and looking at energy use in the future.
VentureJam is looking for young people keen on the arts and music, science and gaming as well as future entrepreneurs.
Chris van der Kuyl said: “Scotland’s future belongs to our young people and VentureJam is a really exciting opportunity for them to try and address the issue of how they can re-purpose existing products and tech.”
Scottish business, innovation and energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse, said new ideas are crucial to the success of the Scottish Government’s long-term energy strategy.
He added: “We already generate more than half of Scotland’s electricity demand from renewable sources but we must do more to build a truly integrated energy system that meets our power, transport and heat needs now and into the future.
“Rapidly evolving new technology has already played an important role in our success so far but there is much still to do.”
Application forms for the event in Glasgow Science Centre from August 18 to 20 are available on the Young Scot and Glasgow City of Science and Innovation websites.