Students who think they have what it takes to create the next big thing in digital content are being challenged to take part in a Scotland-wide competition.

Dare to be Digital was launched on Tuesday and is the brainchild of the University of Abertay, Dundee City Council and Scottish Enterprise Tayside.

Teams of five students are asked to submit a concept for a video game, interactive website/CD or a piece of digital animation.

Chris van der Kuyl endorses the challenge

They will be judged by a panel of industry experts.

The winners of round one will then have 10 weeks over the summer holidays to complete a working prototype.

They will also be required to produce a business plan showing how they intend to make money.

This year's Dare to be Digital is sponsored by BBC Scotland, Dundee City Council, Henderson Loggie, NCR and VIS entertainment plc.

The competing teams will have access to computer labs and facilities at the University of Abertay.

Real world

At the end of the 10 weeks, the products will be judged by some of the biggest names in the games and interactive industries.

Previous competitions have produced 10 finalists, five of which went on to set up their own businesses. Numerous individuals have also been able to find jobs in the games and interactive industries.

It gives people an opportunity to try and develop a 'real world' product Paul Daly, Henderson Loggie

Julie Adair, head of BBC Scotland Interactive, said: "The interactive industries are already one of the most vibrant sectors of the Scottish economy. Dare to be Digital allows the competitors to experience the reality of working in the real world and allows the industry to find the rising stars of tomorrow."

Mark Grossi, from NCR, added that it was "imperative" that talent be identified and allowed to develop.

Paul Daly, of Henderson Loggie, said: "The Dare to be Digital competition is great fun to be involved with.

"It gives people an opportunity to try and develop a 'real world' product. We help with some of the less glamorous elements of business start-up.

"In return my team gets exposure to talented and enthusiastic people and benefit to us is invaluable."

Application forms and rules for entry can be found at the Dare to be Digital website. The closing date is 14 April.