Silicon Rallying Call: Independent innovators urged to get creating during lockdown to tackle isolation and Connect the Community

helping our community

  • Cadent and electronics sector players RS Components and Nordic Semiconductor on the hunt for high-tech innovations to combat isolation
  • As a locked down world struggles with isolation, the hunt is on for ground-breaking solutions 
  • Product development support, professional exposure and awards on offer for the best ideas
With millions around the world battling loneliness and isolation, Cadent has teamed up with the electronics sector to spearhead the call for innovative solutions.

In a throwback to the 1970s, when innovators launched the home computer revolution from Californian garages and college dorms, Cadent and partners RS Components and Nordic Semiconductor are calling on locked down innovators to get creating in their homes, sheds and garages.

Using their extensive network of customers and stakeholders, the three are hoping to engage the creative minds that can devise new solutions to help transform the lives of the isolated, and then connect them with the people and funding to help make their ideas reality.

Jo Giles, Cadent Customer Safeguarding Manager, said: “We’re looking for innovators and creatives to make the most of the lockdown and to come up with inventions that will  help transform the lives of the isolated in regard to both their physical and mental wellbeing. 

“Typically, we may think of people who are elderly or ill as being most affected by isolation, however, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown how anyone can become isolated by circumstances.”

She added: “We’re on the hunt for innovative solutions that can help people stay safe, warm and connected as they remain in their home. Whether someone is self-isolating with symptoms, shielding, or simply struggling with their all-round physical or mental health, we want to find the ideas that can support them to live independently.”

“If we see the potential for a ground-breaking new product, we can connect you with the people and funding to help make it a reality.

Sam Presley, Lead Inspiration Engineer from the Grass Roots team at RS Components, said: “We’re inviting people to think big to transform the lives of those living in isolation. This is a fantastic opportunity for budding innovators to showcase their ideas, skills and ambition – working towards a cause that truly matters.

“By taking part, there is also the potential to win prizes and awards and gain further exposure to companies on the lookout for innovators like you.

“We’re delighted to offer special support to innovators under the age of 25 through The Youth Group’s Mentor Me programme, which matches young people to business mentors for virtual guidance and advice on entrepreneurship.”

Claire Steed, Regional Sales Manager at Nordic Semiconductor, added, “We don’t want to limit creativity by dictating the scope of the challenge – all we’re stipulating is that solutions must be easy to use and accessible to people in a range of vulnerable circumstances.”

“This competition isn’t just for engineering or design experts. Whether you're a master of digital technology or you simply just have a great idea, we want to hear from you.”

The competition is hosted on RS Components’ engineering platform DesignSpark, which has a global engineering community of over 950,000. For more information and to submit ideas, visit:
www.rs-online.com/designspark/connect-the-community

Cadent

Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network with a 200-year legacy.  We are in a unique position to build on strong foundations whilst encouraging the curiosity to think differently and the courage to embrace change.  Day to day we continue to operate, maintain and innovate the UK’s largest gas network, transporting gas safely and protecting people in an emergency.   Our skilled engineers and specialists remain committed to the communities we serve, working day and night to ensure gas reaches 11 million homes from Cumbria to North London and the Welsh Borders to East Anglia, to keep your energy flowing. 

Future of Gas: Here at Cadent we support the Government’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2050. That means we’re backing the introduction of hydrogen as a low carbon alternative to natural gas for the future. We know people love the controllability of gas and, with our network already in place, it makes sense to switch to the lower carbon alternative offered by hydrogen, which we believe can keep homes and businesses warm for generations to come.

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Media contacts

Ben Green

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07773 122925