Osbit to Bring Young Inventor’s “Magni-Sub” to Life Following Making Waves Challenge

An imaginative ocean innovation by an eleven-year-old from South Shields is set to become a real-world prototype, with Osbit committing to bring the invention to life following Little Inventors’ Making Waves: Inventing for a Better Ocean challenge.

The Making Waves challenge, delivered in partnership with South Tyneside Council and Dogger Bank Wind Farm, invited children to respond creatively to ocean-themed briefs. From hundreds of submissions, four outstanding ideas were selected to be developed into physical prototypes.

One of those winning ideas is Magni-Sub, invented by Oliver, aged 11, from Monkton Primary School in South Shields. Developed in response to the Key Stage 2 brief to invent a new way to travel across the ocean or have fun in the ocean without using electricity or fuel, Magni-Sub impressed judges with its bold thinking and inventive approach to ocean exploration.

Oliver’s concept imagines a submarine-inspired vessel designed to harness clever mechanical principles rather than traditional powered propulsion. His idea demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, environmental awareness and a clear enthusiasm for engineering.

Osbit - a global engineering company based in North East England - has committed to developing Magni-Sub into a prototype, working directly with Oliver to ensure his original idea remains central to the build process. As part of the experience of winning the challenge, Oliver will also have the opportunity to engage with Osbit’s team to learn more about real-world engineering and innovation in the offshore and marine sectors.

The finished prototype will be unveiled as part of a public exhibition at The Word in South Shields in 2027. Oliver said:

I wanted to design something that could explore underwater in a different way. I like thinking about how things work and how you could improve them. It’s amazing that Osbit are going to build my idea for real.

Oliver’s teacher added:

Oliver has a real passion for design and engineering, and this challenge allowed him to channel that creativity into something purposeful. Seeing his idea move beyond the classroom has been a fantastic opportunity.

Osbit’s involvement reflects a strong commitment to supporting STEM learning and inspiring the next generation of engineers within South Tyneside.

Michelle Ackers, STEM Coordinator at Osbit, said:

We are delighted to bring Oliver’s Magni-Sub to life. Supporting initiatives like Making Waves allows us to inspire young people and demonstrate how creativity and engineering go hand in hand. It’s incredibly important to nurture the next generation of problem-solvers, and we’re proud to support local talent in South Shields.

The partnership has also been welcomed by South Tyneside Council, which recognises the value of collaboration between education and local industry in raising aspirations and connecting learning with real-world careers.

Alex Whelan, Economic Inclusion and Career Development Coordinator at South Tyneside Council, said:

We’re incredibly grateful to Osbit for stepping forward to develop this winning idea. When companies actively engage with young people and support projects like this, it helps raise aspirations and show children that exciting engineering careers can start right here in the North East.

Craig Bright, General Manager of Little Inventors, added:

Magni-Sub shows how children naturally think like engineers when given the chance. Oliver combined imagination with practical thinking, and Osbit’s commitment to building the prototype ensures his creativity will be celebrated in a tangible and inspiring way.

Magni-Sub will be developed alongside three other winning ideas from the Making Waves challenge, all of which will be brought to life and showcased publicly - celebrating children’s creativity, engineering thinking and the power of local collaboration.