High school students are getting their thinking caps on for another year in the Young Innovator Awards the competition was a huge success with high participation last year.

Jonathan Kent was the 2010 Young Innovator of the Year with his invention that helps to keep a hydro generator running.

Secondary schools teachers, students, parents and local business people gathered to launch the competition for the second year earlier this month.

The awards are designed to promote innovative problem solving skills by designing or improving an existing product or service, with sustainability being a major focus for contestants.

The Young Innovator Awards are organised by the economic development agency Priority One.

The high number of students who entered the competition last year and the calibre of entries amazed the judges.

Priority One's Instep manager Lyn Parlane says they are hoping for many entries.

There were 56 entered last year and already 23 groups and individuals have registered this year.

'That's good for the start, we've got a ways to go,” says Lyn.

Lyn says the awards were great for both the students and the business community, who would be supporting young people by giving them problems to solve.

'The competition is not necessarily about creating something new, but is often as simple as looking at how something could be improved to be more efficient and sustainable,” says Lyn.

'Inventing new products and services, or modifying old ones through innovative ideas, is the way of the future, and those are the skills we want to foster.”

The competition is judged by a panel of business experts in the areas of research, innovation, creativity, sustainability and communication.

Students can compete in teams or as individuals for a cash prize of $1000 and the opportunity to be mentored by local business people.

Junior (Year 9-10) and senior (Year 11-13) students from Aquinas College, Bethlehem College, Katikati College, Mount Maunganui College, Otumoetai College, Tauranga Boys' High School, Tauranga Girls' College, Te Puke High School and Papamoa College are eligible to enter. Students can visit www.yia.co.nz for details.

The closing date for entries for the Young Innovators Awards 2011 is June 1.