The UK Space Agency is offering young entrepreneurs a share of £50,000 to develop the next generation of satellites.

The SatelLife Competition, which is open to 11 - 22 year-olds, is giving young people the chance to test their ideas with industry experts to develop ground-breaking satellite technology.

Ideas from last year’s competition included a wristband that uses satellite location data and communications services to identify the locations of swimmers and surfers in the sea.

The overall winner for 2017 was 13-year-old James Pearson, from Lincolnshire, who came up with an app to provide information on coastal flood risks.

Science minister Chris Skidmore said: "Young people are bursting with ingenious ideas and this competition offers a great opportunity for their suggestions about how best to use data collected from satellites.

“I would urge young people to get involved and hopefully their ideas will become a reality in the near future, benefitting us all. The competition is a great example of how the government’s modern Industrial Strategy can inspire and engage young people in the challenges and opportunities of the future."

Entries can be as teams or individuals and all prize winners will be able to pitch their idea to a panel of ‘dragons’ from the space sector who will offer more prizes.

Over the last two years the competition winners have been offered further funding, patent advice and invitations to discuss job opportunities as well as introductions to the other relevant experts for further help.

Last year’s individual winner was Ieuan Higgs, a student from Chippenham in Wiltshire. 

Ieuan Higgs, 21, a student at the University of Reading, who has been offered a job in the space sector when he graduates since winning last year, said: “Entering the SatelLife Competition allowed me to develop my critical thinking and problem-solving skills in an interesting, challenging way.

“This has certainly helped me to push forwards on my way towards finishing university and provided me with the confidence to pursue my interests as I prepare to launch an exciting career."

The competition closes on 3 March 2019. Visit the SatelLife Competition page here for more information and how to apply.