#MTFSparks

MTF Sparks is an engaging extracurricular programme that introduces creative methodologies for educating children and teenagers, focusing on invention and lateral thinking, the use of new technologies, principles of innovation and values of collaboration and fairness. The ambition is to create a generation of talented and entrepreneurial adults with strong human values at ease with global challenges.

We bring together children, teens and young entrepreneurs in a series of creative workshops to build, demonstrate and perform on stage with their own innovations, coached and mentored by internationally-renowned inventors and creative technologists. The events feature presentations by inspiring innovators and interactive, hands-on demonstrations of new technologies - from robotics to transportation, fashion tech and music apps.

#MTFKids: 6-11 year olds take part in a 3-hour event in which they build playful inventions, make robotic creatures from found objects, use conductive paint to create circuits, connect microboards and sensors, and learn simple coding and making skills using their imagination and new microcomputing technologies. The results are performed and demonstrated on stage to their friends, family and other school groups. Every child who completes and presents their challenge wins a prize.

#MTFSparks: 12-16 year olds participate in a 5-hour challenge to collaborate, design and build creative applications and handmade connected objects that use physical computing and coding as well as art, design and craft skills. The bright young Sparks work with textiles, wood and cardboard as well as the latest digital technologies to make and prototype inventions from musical instruments to wearable fashion technologies and robotic vehicles. The results are performed and demonstrated on stage to their peers and families. Each teen who completes and presents their challenge wins a prize.