Michael Nixon, teen prodigy and creator of The Amazing Annoyatron, has seen his product receive an iAward at the NSW finals event held in Sydney this evening.
“Winning an iAward is a huge achievement,” said Nixon. “To receive recognition from industry peers for the product I’ve created is massive. It gives the Annoyatron significant credibility and will put it on the scope for retailers in Australia and possibly internationally.”
The iAwards program, run by the Australian Information Industry Association, is the nation’s longest-running innovation recognition program. Currently in its 25th year, the awards showcase excellence in the Australian digital ecosystem. Past winners include globally recognised names such as Google Maps, Atlassian, Wotif, and WiseTech Global.
Judges for the competition are all highly respected industry representatives who volunteer their time to help discover, recognise and reward innovations that have the potential to, or are already having, a positive impact on the community.
“Each year the awards shine a light on the exceptional achievements of those at the forefront of Australian innovation, and the projects shaping our modern economy. We’re proud to provide recognition and encouragement to people prepared to bring an idea to life, enabled by technology. Whether they’re in start-ups, the public sector, community services, academia, or private enterprise, small and large, the work of the finalists is an inspiration to us all.”
Rob Fitzpatrick, CEO – Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA).
This isn’t the first award that Nixon has received with his product. The inventor manufactures The Amazing Annoyatron under the banner of his own company, EduKits International. In 2017, his invention won both state and national finals of the Australia Post Regional Pitchfest. At only 14 years old, Nixon was the only entrant under the age of 18 to compete in those events.
The Amazing Annoyatron is designed for youngsters aged 19-15 and teaches coding skills. The kits include 30 components that can be used to create over 20 different projects. The projects are based on feedback from young people about the types of gadgets they’d like to build themselves. All kits contain everything needed, including online and interactive resources.
“What this award shows is not only this is a great invention by a kid, it’s a great invention—period”, said Nixon. “Winning the award validates how good this product is at getting kids excited about electronics and coding”.
Nixon’s winning of an iAward validates his faith in the technology kit. The Amazing Annoyatron is an easy way for children and teenagers to develop STEM skills at home or in the classroom and parents around the world think so, too. His educational toy kit is wildly popular, with sales throughout Australia and seven other countries around the world.
