The winners of the Dartford and Gravesham Business Awards are backing a KM competition to unearth the inventors of the future.

Astro Communications took first place in the business awards, supported by the KM Group and is now backing the KM Bright Spark Awards 2017.

Devised to elevate the cool status of science and engineering projects in schools and help grow the next generation of super star scientists, the awards honour pupils for using cross curricular skills in maths, IT, science and engineering to innovate and create.

Astro boss Steve Hodges said: “We have a long history of working with young people and are very interested in seeing young talent developed in the UK, especially in the technology, science and engineering arena.

“As a judge I’m very excited to see the ability of young people to deliver their message and present their ideas to the panel, using their imaginations to turn ideas into reality.”

Founded in 1984, the Dartford company delivers cabling, IT and cloud-based services to clients like TGI Friday’s, Wightlink Ferries and Bourne Leisure.

The Bright Spark Awards challenge primary and secondary school youngsters to come up with ideas that fall into one of three categories – innovation, investigation or invention.

The overall champions will win £500 but the quality and high calibre of previous entries means the budding young scientists and engineers could also find a career on the cards with experts using the awards to lookout for their next apprentice.

Organisations backing the awards include Benenden Hospital Trust, Integrated Technologies Ltd, Golding Vision, Pfizer, Prendon Panels Ltd, BAE Systems and Discovery Park.

To submit a nomination, visit http://www.kmcharityteam.co.uk/schools/brightspark/ and complete the simple online form before noon on June 2.