Simon Cowell has announced that he plans to launch a reality TV show in an attempt to find the next high-tech entrepreneur, with less autotune and more node.js.

Dubbed, in truly original style, "X Factor for Tech," the programme will bring together Simon Cowell and Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am in a 'talent' search that aims to find the next Clive Sinclair, Chris Curry or Sophie Wilson from among the ranks of budding UK technologists.

At least, that's how the show is billed. Realistically, and given Cowell's previous commitment to the entertainment side of things, the programme is more likely to be centred around finding camera-hungry Steve Jobs types than looking for engineers like Wilson.

will.i.am, a man with possibly the most irritating-to-type name in the 'biz next to Ke$ha, is certainly no stranger to technology. Back in January last year Intel announced, in a move designed to shed the company's somewhat uncool image among 'da yoof,' that it had signed up will.i.am to become the company's Director of Creative Innovation, a job which appears to specifically mean 'stand there and look cool.'

'Nearly everything I do involves processors and computers, and when I see an Intel chip I think of all the creative minds involved that help to amplify my own creativity,' will.i.am read from a pre-prepared script at the announcement. 'Teaming up with the scientists, researchers and computer programmers at Intel to collaborate and co-develop new ways to communicate, create, inform and entertain is going to be amazing.'

Cowell, too, has dabbled in the tech industry, most recently by teaming up with Sony to release X Factor themed headphones. If you hadn't noticed, Cowell likes the X Factor brand - meaning it's more than likely that the show will launch as a sub-brand under the all-too-familiar X.

Little is known about the details of the show's format, but will.i.am has revealed a few choice snippets to tabloid the Sun. 'Singing and performance create a couple of jobs - but this will create lots,' the singer claimed. 'It's about getting in touch with youth and giving them a platform to express themselves — whether that's in science or mathematics.'

No launch date has yet been provided.