Two students from Cookstown High School have won a national technology prize for developing an app that uses artificial intelligence to help travellers choose destinations based on their desired emotional experience.

Daniel Brownlee and Luke Johnston, both Year 11 pupils, were named UK Young Technologists of the Year at The Big Bang Competition. Their project, TrailTalk, is an AI-powered mapping tool that suggests places to visit not by popularity ratings, but by matching a user's mood and practical needs. The app combines voice input, GPS data, and machine learning to generate personalised travel recommendations.

The judges commended the project's technical maturity and commercial viability. Mark Wood, social sustainability lead at Siemens GB&I, said the students were deserving winners and highlighted the app's practical, user-friendly design. Dr Hilary Leevers, chief executive of EngineeringUK, praised their curiosity and creativity in addressing real-world challenges.

The win marks the culmination of two years of work for the pair. Brownlee said the recognition meant a lot after the long development effort and that the competition had been an amazing experience.

The Big Bang Competition is aimed at young people across the UK and is designed to encourage interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.