Young and Talented Cornwall's Spirit of Trevithick Award

Cornwall is a pioneering hotbed of geoscience, technology, engineering, space innovation, mineral development, and offshore power. This offers a huge opportunity for Cornwall and its future workforce; it is incumbent on us all to encourage our talented young innovators in Cornwall to follow their dreams and appreciate the wealth of opportunity that is available for them on their doorstep in Cornwall.

Thinking of applying?

If you are a young innovator in Cornwall, in Science and Technology and Engineering and Maths, the Young & Talented Cornwall Spirit of Trevithick Award is here to help you achieve your goals.

We believe every young person should have everything they need to follow their dreams. So, if you live in Cornwall or the Isles a Scilly and have a passion for STEM, why not apply? Award recipients will receive mentoring sessions with an established Cornwall based company or innovator who will help guide them and offer first-hand advice to help them achieve their full potential.

And not only that, recipients can also be granted a cash award of up to £2,000 for the development of a particular project, or to contribute to a specific piece of equipment within the area of STEM, that contributes to their career development. It might be a contribution towards a research trip, or more practical help with technical kit or software.

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Eligibility

You are eligible to apply for this Spirit of Trevithick Award if you are:

✔ 16 – 23 years old (your age will be taken into account when assessing applications)
✔ A resident of Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly
✔ A talented young innovator within STEM
✔ Able to produce one recent reference (within the last three months) that is dated, signed and headed
✔ Looking for mentoring and financial support to achieve your goals
✔ Prepared to be an ambassador for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

You can view a SAMPLE form here before filling out your Spirit of Trevithick Award application form.

The deadline for applications is 31 January 2026. For more details and to apply visit Cornwall Community Foundation.

Apply now
"I’m travelling to Thailand to attend an international science conference where I will be presenting research myself and two other students completed on the effects of e-liquid on Daphnia. Without the support of Y &TC Spirt of Trevithick Award, I wouldn’t have been able to experience these things in STEM.”
Lily Butler - Spirit of Trevithick STEM Award recipient

Unsure about how or what to apply for?

Watch our Funding Focus workshop recording where you can:

✔ Find out which Young & Talented fund could be right for you
✔ Understand what makes a strong application
✔ Get clear, practical guidance on how to apply

Applying is easy

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