Like Blue Fusion, Bright Sparks aims to inspire, promote and encourage an interest in science, engineering and technology amongst young people.

The Bright Sparks participants are Year 8 students specially identified by the member schools of Southampton Local Education Authority's 'Gifted and Talented' initiative for their talent and potential.

The event provides an opportunity for these students to develop new skills, and experience emerging technologies in order to inspire an interest in science, engineering and technology.

The day long event utilises the activities developed for Blue Fusion, specially tailored for the younger participants of Bright Sparks, in conjunction with an interactive discussion from an engaging speaker.

Bright Sparks 2007 was held on 9th March 2007 at IBM Hursley.

  More information for schools wishing to attend the 2008 event

The organising team for Blue Fusion is made up of about 20 recent graduates. Each year this team changes to combine the experience of some of the team from the previous year and the fresh insight, ideas and energy of newly hired graduates.

In addition to the organising team, about 200 people from across IBM Hursley contribute their time and talent each year to make the Blue Fusion and Bright Sparks events a success; developing the activities throughout the months before the events start and hosting schools or activities during the week in March.