Young hackathon cham inspires Glos businesses

An audience ranging in age from as young as ten packed Cirencester Growth Hub to meet teenage tech sensation Scott Hiett. Scott, currently studying for his GCSEs at Marling School in Stroud, was hailed by Forbes as “The Next Generation of Computer Science” after winning a hackathon in 2019, where developers came together to create innovative banking apps. He is also involved in two businesses: he has developed a platform for tech start-up Edge and is leading a global team to create a modification which will turn single player games into multiplayer games.

The 16-year-old from Cirencester gave a presentation to Gloucestershire business people – and some of their children – on his success in the ever-developing world of technology, and giving advice to businesses on how to engage with post-millennials.

Among the audience was ten-year-old Callum Learmont, who listened to the talk with his Mum Sophie. Sophie is co-founder of Gloucestershire children’s and women’s clothing and accessories range Hughug. She said: “It was great, really inspirational and will give Callum lots of ideas for his future.”

Deb Govier, Business Navigator at Cirencester Growth Hub, said: “We had an excellent turnout for the talk, and everyone was fascinated listening to Scott. He is clearly on a pathway to major success and we look forward to following his journey.”

Cirencester Growth Hub, next to the Royal Agricultural University, is part of the Gloucestershire Growth Hub network.