The aim of the award is to challenge students to develop new concepts and ideas that demonstrate 21st century creative thinking with ideas involving some form of imaginary technological solution. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to present their ideas in person to the judging panel who will include Huw Owen, Jeff Thomas and Stephen Hall from Ark Data Centres and Professor Andrew Hugill, Professor of Creative Computing at Bath Spa University.

The winner, who will be announced Tuesday 9^th December 2014, will then be awarded a £1,500 prize sponsored by Ark Data Centres.

In universities, the divisions into subject disciplines – the distinctions between ‘arts’ and ‘sciences’ – and the demands of a particular type of study can leave no place for the kind of thinking that crosses boundaries or happens ‘in between the cracks’.

“Creative Thinking is the ability to come up with new and unconventional ideas,” explained Professor Andrew Hugill, Bath Spa University. “In a world of digital technology, this skill is all-important but all too often social conventions or educational pressures prevent us from thinking creatively. We are seeking exceptional ideas that offer new potential for technologies and that push the boundaries. This new prize epitomises our vision to be a leading institution for creativity, culture and enterprise.”

The Creative Thinking Award is available to any student undertaking an undergraduate or postgraduate course at Bath Spa University. The judging panel will be looking for lateral thinking, originality and innovation, whatever the area or field within which they occur.

“What we are looking for is the tenacious application of intellect which produces a concisely articulated proposition for an original and useful solution or product that assists people,” said Huw Owen CEO, Ark Data Centres. “As an organisation that encourages excellence amongst our personnel, we wanted to support a local university to discover and nurture this level of brilliance in our professionals of tomorrow. We are looking for something extraordinary and are very excited to see what the students of Bath Spa University are going to deliver.”

The closing date for applications is Friday 28 November. Students interested in participating in the award can find the terms and conditions and the necessary entry form here.