Gripping Innovation: #DigiInventors Winners Take Centre Stage

We were proud to celebrate the winners of the #DigiInventors Challenge Secondary School Edition at the Holyrood Connect Digital Health & Care Scotland 2025 event

Since its inception, the #DigiInventors Challenge has empowered hundreds of young people, equipping them with digital and entrepreneurial skills, creative thinking, and the confidence to address pressing health challenges in their communities.

Scottish Hockey was thrilled to partner with the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre and help shape the 2024 challenge: using digital technology and e-gaming to reimagine the game of field hockey.

In an inspiring effort to boost physical activity, increase participation, and enhance the well-being of young people, the #DigiInventors Challenge Secondary School Edition set ambitious goals for its participants. Teams were not only encouraged to develop ideas that promoted health and fitness but also to consider the environmental impact of their concepts.

The challenge placed a strong emphasis on sustainability, awarding extra points for projects that supported net carbon zero goals. This dual focus on health and environmental responsibility aimed to foster a generation of innovators who are mindful of both personal and planetary well-being.

The event showcased a remarkable array of creative solutions, highlighting the ingenuity and commitment of young minds dedicated to making a positive difference in their communities.

Out of 182 students, EvoGrip emerged as the winning team. After four years of dedication to the challenge, the Scottish winners from Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh captured the judges’ attention with their truly innovative solution.

EvoGrip is a smart hockey stick grip designed to promote a healthy, active lifestyle while enhancing performance on the field.

Key features include:

  • Detailed Analytics: Providing insights into performance.
  • Wireless Data Transfer: Enabling seamless sharing of performance data.
  • Solar-Powered Battery: Offering sustainable power.
  • Friendly Competition and Goal-Setting: Inspiring players to improve their game while enjoying the sport.

Watch their winning showreel:

 

We would like to thank the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre for including us in this year’s challenge. The collaboration has been exceptionally valuable in widening the scope of field Hockey and how we can engage new audiences, evolve, and progress the sport.

‘Partnering with the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre has been a fantastic experience for Scottish Hockey. It has allowed us to connect with partners and change-makers beyond our usual scope. We highly recommend getting involved with the #DigiInventors Challenge.’ – Keith Macleod, Engagement Manager

Congratulations to the Merchiston Castle School for their hard work, creativity, and perseverance!

Learn more about the #DigiInventors challenge here

Get Involved

If you would like to learn more about the #DigiInventors Challenge or explore ways to support future editions, please get in touch with Grant Reilly, Head of Marketing and Communications at the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre.

 

Back to top