Image caption: Left to right - TV presenter and STEM ambassador Konnie Huq, with Keith Smith HRUC CEO, and Richard Pennycook, Skills England Interim Chair
A groundbreaking opportunity has emerged for students across the UK to make their mark on the world with innovative ideas that address real-world industry challenges.
At an exciting launch at The Royal Academy of Engineering (on Thursday 24 October) long-serving BBC TV Blue Peter presenter, writer and renowned STEM ambassador Konnie Huq proudly kick started the National Innovation Challenge - a competition aimed at inspiring the next generation of thinkers, creators, and changemakers to shape a sustainable future.
The competition is a new initiative from Harrow, Richmond and Uxbridge Colleges (HRUC), one of the UK’s leading FE college groups, in collaboration with the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Industrial Liaison Program (ILP), USA.
Prize winning students will get an unparalleled opportunity to gain new technical skills, collaborate internationally, and broaden their networks. Winners will be rewarded with a life-changing educational and cultural trip to MIT, where they will expand their technical skills and global networks, while also collaborating with some of the world’s brightest minds in science, technology, engineering, and innovation.
The theme of this year’s competition is Sustainable Impact. It encourages participants to go beyond proposing ideas and to develop concepts that could truly shape tomorrow. Whether it’s through designing prototypes, creating business models, or formulating bold new concepts, students will have the chance to submit projects that champion innovation and sustainability.
The launch was attended by leading figures from industry, engineering and science. Speaking at the launch, Konnie Huq, who will be part of next year’s esteemed judging panel, said: “This initiative is all about empowering young minds to challenge themselves and change the world. I’m so excited to launch this competition and be part of the esteemed judging panel. I wish this kind of brilliant competition was available when I was a young girl.”
Keith Smith HRUC CEO said, “The National Innovation Challenge is a platform for the brightest young minds across the UK to develop solutions for real-world challenges. In partnership with MIT, it fosters international collaboration and aims to spark a revolution in sustainable innovation.”
Lead Judge, Richard Pennycook, CBE, Interim Chair of Skills England, said, “I’m sure this launch will spark some brilliant entries from schools and colleges across the country. Colleges, like Harrow, Richmond and Uxbridge College also have a vital role to drive the skills system forward, ensuring we meet the needs of both learners and employers.
“Together, we want to create a world where young minds are filled with innovative ideas that address real-world industry challenges.”
Watch the launch film
About the National Innovation Challenge
For further information, to register interest, and to keep up to date with competition details, please visit our competition page.
How It Works
Participants can work individually or in groups (up to three members) to submit one of the following:
- A concept
- A business idea
- A design prototype
Submissions must propose solutions to address current and future industry challenges in any of the following categories:
- Secondary Schools
- Further Education and Sixth Form Students
- HRUC (Higher and Further Education) Students
Competition Stages and Key Dates
- Student competition launch event: Thursday 24 October 2024
- Expressions of interest from Schools, FE colleges and sixth forms close: November 2024
- Information pack published in December 2024 to registered participants
- All competition entries must be submitted by 28 February 2025
- Shortlisting will commence in March 2025 to select the “Top 10”
- Final submissions for the national judging panel due in June 2025
- Competition winners will be announced at the awards evening in July 2025
- The visit to MIT will be in September/October 2025 (to be confirmed).
Project Themes
- Contributing to a healthier planet
- Reducing the carbon footprint
- Strategies to support Net Zero
- Technology driving the sustainability agenda
- Sustainable impact in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.
Schools, FE colleges, and sixth forms can register now to express their interest and secure their students’ participation.
Prize
Winners will embark on an inspiring educational adventure to MIT, gaining firsthand experience in cutting-edge innovation and culture. This will empower students to shape their own futures and make a positive impact on the world around them
Judging Panel
For full details of the judging panel visit our competition page.