It was about more than just building bridges as the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge opened its doors to more than 135 of the region’s biggest Lego lovers for this year’s IET First Lego League Challenge Cambridge tournament on Tuesday (16 January).

The First Lego League Challenge at the Department of Engineering. Picture: Keith Heppell

Qualcomm Incorporated, an affiliate of Cambridge-based Qualcomm Technologies International Ltd, once again funded 14 teams of local young people, aged nine to 16, to programme a Lego robot to compete in a range of STEM-themed challenges. The event was hosted this year by science and technology broadcaster Greg Foot.

Thirteen teams went head-to-head for a place at the national finals later this year, with Cambourne Electronics & Robotics Club (CERC) beating tough competition to emerge as regional champions once again.

Wonky Bricks won the Robot Design award, seen here with Greg Foot who presented the prizes. Picture: Keith HeppellRegional champions CERC. Picture: Keith HeppellThe First Lego League Challenge at the Department of Engineering. Picture: Keith HeppellThe First Lego League Challenge at the Department of Engineering. Picture: Keith HeppellThe First Lego League Challenge at the Department of Engineering. Picture: Keith HeppellThe First Lego League Challenge at the Department of Engineering. Picture: Keith HeppellThe First Lego League Challenge at the Department of Engineering. Picture: Keith HeppellThe First Lego League Challenge at the Department of Engineering. Picture: Keith HeppellThe First Lego League Challenge at the Department of Engineering. Picture: Keith HeppellThe First Lego League Challenge at the Department of Engineering. Picture: Keith Heppell

This year’s theme – Masterpiece – encouraged participants to delve into STEM within the arts industry and create innovative ways to communicate art across the globe.

Teams were then tasked with presenting their ideas to a panel of judges as part of their ‘innovation project’.

At the end of the jam-packed event, Sharnbrook Academy picked up the prize for the Best Innovation Project, with team Brick Brains from Colchester Royal Grammar School winning the Core Values Trophy, Team Wonky Bricks from Cambridge receiving Best Robot Design, and CERC also lifting the Robot Game Award.

Jane Munro, vice president and legal counsel at Qualcomm Technologies International, said: “It’s been wonderful to see so many young people excited and inspired by the STEM tasks on offer through the First Lego League Challenge.

“For some students, this may be the first time they’ve taken on a challenge like this and that’s why we love sponsoring the Cambridge regional tournament.

“This unique event gives participants the chance to test themselves, learn new skills, and ultimately have fun while doing it.

“Events like this play an important role in introducing young people to the world of STEM outside the classroom.

“It’s a chance for them to meet other young people and start developing key skills related to STEM and more. Some of these students may very well become the engineers of the future!”

The First Lego League Challenge at the Department of Engineering. Picture: Keith HeppellGreg Foot explains the challenge to the Mayor of Cambridge, Cllr Jenny Gawthrope Wood. Picture: Keith HeppellThe First Lego League Challenge at the Department of Engineering. Picture: Keith HeppellThe First Lego League Challenge at the Department of Engineering. Picture: Keith HeppellThe First Lego League Challenge at the Department of Engineering. Picture: Keith Heppell

[Read more: Cambridgeshire pupils take part in Lego tournament at University of Cambridge]

To get involved in next year’s First Lego League Challenge tournament contact elle.roberts-nissen@consciouscomms.com.

Cambridge Cambridge University Education Events What’s On News Adrian Peel