A trader on the JSE, an inventor, a saxophonist, a computer whiz, a ballerina, a tennis player, a forensic scientist – and others who are sometimes whacky, sometimes weird, but all loaded with creative whiz – have made the cut from over 400 applications to be Brand Ambassadors for Mark Shuttleworth’s HIP2B² (Hip to be square) Programme.

This is the first programme of its kind. It rewards and acknowledges students who excel in science, inventions, entrepreneurship, maths or computers. But it doesn’t end with these obvious attributes – these ambassadors also excel in sport and the arts, proving that you don’t have to be a closet nerd to be clever…

Mark Shuttleworth launched the HIP2B² brand five years ago. A self-confessed geek, who became a billionaire in his twenties by breaking new frontiers in computer technology, Shuttleworth started HIP2B² with the intention of making science, maths and technology 'sexy' to high school learners.

These 13 Brand Ambassadors (all 17 years of age) will be the “face” of the brand, starring in the television show, writing for the mag and creating weekly blogs and podcasts for the site. Throughout the year they’ll also become involved in social responsibility or community outreach projects. We can’t wait to see what these talented individuals will cook up for 2008!

But enough with the suspense – let’s meet the Brand Ambassador team…