Ranita Ariyibi
Former Big Bang Competition winner
How The Big Bang Competition helped Ranita discover her future in technology
When Ranita Ariyibi first entered The Big Bang Competition in 2022, she didn't win. But she didn't give up. A year later, her innovative sign language technology project earned her the title of UK Young Engineer of the Year.
Now a degree apprentice at IBM, Ranita reflects on how The Competition inspired her career in technology and why she returned as a judge.
Until I was in Year 9, I thought I wanted to become a doctor. I hadn't really considered a career in engineering or technology. That changed in 2022 when I was choosing my GCSE options. I'd decided to study computer science, and my teacher saw something in me that I hadn't yet recognised myself. He encouraged me to enter The Big Bang Competition.
My project was called InterSign. I'd discovered that there was a shortage of British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters and wanted to develop a device that could help Deaf people communicate more easily.
I entered the competition in 2022, but I didn't win. Rather than giving up, I went back to my project and worked on improving it. I taught myself more about computer-aided design and explored different technologies. I eventually developed InterSign using a Raspberry Pi microcomputer, machine learning software and a 3D-printed enclosure.
When I entered The Big Bang Competition again in 2023, I won UK Young Engineer of the Year.
Discovering a world of possibilities
Winning was an incredible experience, but it wasn't just about receiving an award. At The Big Bang Fair I met professionals working across engineering and technology. I learnt how to pitch my ideas, explain my project and engage people in conversations about what I'd created.
What surprised me was how much they wanted to hear from me. I was learning from their experiences, but they were equally interested in my ideas as a young person. I remember speaking to someone whose work involved protecting people from radioactive sources. It opened my eyes to the extraordinary range of careers available.
That was when I realised technology was the path I wanted to follow. I loved the idea that you could take a problem, develop a solution and potentially make a real difference to people's lives.
From competition winner to a career in technology
After The Competition, I joined my school's young engineers' club and went on to study A Levels in computer science, maths and German. I'm now completing a degree apprenticeship with IBM, studying digital and technology solutions while working as a delivery consultant. It's an amazing opportunity to learn from people with years of industry experience while developing my own skills.
I've also been inspired to revisit InterSign. I want to work with people who use BSL to understand what would be most useful to them. I'd also like to explore how the technology could be developed further.
Inspiring the next generation
One of the most rewarding experiences was returning to The Big Bang Competition in 2026, this time as a VIP judge. I had the opportunity to speak to students about their projects, share advice and present an award. It felt wonderful to offer the same encouragement that I'd received when I first entered.
Seeing the creativity and ambition of the next generation was inspiring. The ideas students are developing are incredible, and it makes me excited about the future of engineering and technology.
I'm only 19, but I already know this is a career that will keep challenging and inspiring me. Even when I'm old and grey-haired, technology will still be changing, and there will always be new problems to solve.
That's what I love about it. It's innovative, rewarding and keeps me on my toes.
Looking back, I'm so glad my teacher encouraged me to enter The Big Bang Competition. It helped me discover a career I hadn't imagined for myself – and now I have the opportunity to encourage others to do the same.
