FIFTY Year 9 students at Eggar’s School in Holybourne spent a morning in design and technology undertaking the Innovation Challenge in conjunction with Oxford University.

Students worked in groups developing products that unitise a range of new technologies given to them by the university. Presentations were delivered to the judges in a Dragon’s Den-style format.

The winning team confidently presented their idea of the ‘U Touch’ using a 3D touch screen. The group explained that the new touch screen technology is on its way to becoming more interactive with recent developments in a field known as “haptics” – the science of touch.

The technology works by applying electrical current with varying voltages on the screen.

When a finger is run across the surface, touch receptors in the skin are “tricked” into responding as if there is a particular texture. The students’ application of this included touch screens for the visually impaired as well as tactile online shopping.

The winning team will represent Eggar’s at the national finals at Begbroke Science Park in March.

Neil Waite, curriculum leader for design and technology at Eggar’s, was “over the moon” with the high standard of ideas and presentations.

“All the students were just amazing,” he said. “It was very difficult choosing a winning team but it’s a great way for all our students to develop their bright ideas into commercial products.

“By developing the theme of entrepreneurship in the science and technology sector, this workshop expands students’ perceptions of exciting career paths within science and technology.

“We are very proud of their success.”