In a world desperate for innovative solutions to global challenges, six young disruptors stand on the brink of changing the future. Welcome to the series finale of What's Next?
You can catch up on the full series any time on RTÉ Player!
What's Next? is a competition that challenges young minds to develop innovative solutions for global problems. Throughout the series, contestants have tacked the planets big problems, now the winners of each of the 5 episodes will battle it out to see who will be crowned series champion, win the Golden Brainbox and get a chance to pitch their idea to the mystery millionaire investor.
Series judge, and brilliant young inventor and entrepreneur Fionn Ferreira, is joined in this final by guest judge Mark 'The Science Guy' Langtry to help chose the overall winner of What's Next? Series One.
We want everyone at home and at school to take part too. If you have a great idea email whatsnext@rte.ie.
Teachers can download the activity packs and notes below:
To kick things off there’s a hands-on challenge that sees teams go head-to-head as they dive head first into the Earth's atmosphere. Check out how they got on up top!
As always, our young inventors are paired with three celebrity researchers - social media star Adam Beales, actress Demi Isaac Oviawe, and comedian MC Fitzpatrick.
Then it’s down to business to find out which winning idea will be crowned champion.
Here are the big ideas that have made it to the Final:
- Alisha and Adam present Colour-full - A necklace that brings natural fabrics to life with projected designs.
- Jack and MC bring back H & H Limited - A project that sees discarded sports equipment upcycled into coveted club accessories, collectibles and trophies.
- Sophie and Demi show off Jammy Socks - An innovation that combines old clothes and tired food waste to create on point new designs.
- Kate and MC reintroduce Lights Out - An app that gamifies energy saving for families and communities.
- Ruben and MC share Teletubey - A pneumatic air system for lightning-fast, low emissions, city-to-city travel.
- Tynan and MC pitch MASO - A machine that turns duckweed into an appetising protein product that puts a farm in every home.
Then it's over to Fionn and Mark to weigh up the strengths and weaknesses of each of the ideas and chose the winner. The tension builds, and with all eyes on him, Fionn steps forward to announce the champion of What’s Next? Series One.
But it’s not over yet for the winning idea. Golden Brainbox in hand, the victorious Disrupter is ready to take their idea to the next level, starting with a special meeting with an expert, who helps transform the vision into a working prototype.
Then it's off to meet the mystery millionaire investor. But before that there’s a surprise visit from Fionn for some motivational support.
