Challenge Your Mind. Change the World.
Our new, inspiring theme, Tomorrow’s World for 2027, challenges students to imagine the future and develop bold, innovative ideas that could shape the way we live, work and interact.
Supported by MIT and Amazon, the National Innovation Challenge encourages students to think creatively, explore the potential of AI and emerging technologies, and turn their ideas into practical solutions that could make a real difference — locally, nationally or globally.
We will be shortly launching the competition at schools and colleges across the UK, reflecting the reach of the Challenge.
Keith Smith, CEO of HRUC, said: “We created these awards from a shared belief that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but powerful innovators today.”
2027 Theme: Tomorrow’s World
The competition aims to inspire students to imagine Tomorrow’s World and develop innovative ideas, products and solutions that could shape the way we live, work and interact in the future.
In order to make the Challenge as flexible as possible, we are allowing organisations to create their own scenario related to their area of expertise.
A Global Opportunity
Over 200 organisations have engaged with the competition since the original launch in 2025. Winning students travelled to Boston, USA, where they collaborated with world-leading MIT researchers. It was an unforgettable experience at the forefront of global innovation.
Could Your Students Be Our 2027 Winners?
We’re now inviting schools, colleges and sixth forms to take part in 2027. Don’t miss this opportunity. Registration is now open, and the deadline is approaching.
What's your big idea?
We are looking for projects that champion innovation and sustainability.
The challenge enables students to submit one of the following:
- Design Prototype
OR - Completed Model.
These will outline and propose solutions for current and future industry challenges. The initiative is part of our groundbreaking work with the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Industrial Liaison Program (ILP).
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How it works
Full-time students can work on their projects as individuals or in groups (maximum of three).
They will be able to enter ONE of two categories including:
- Secondary Schools
- General Further Education (GFE) and Sixth Form.
Further details about the competition will be provided within the information pack.Below is an outline of what we expect from each category.
Design your Project
Design Prototype:
- A preliminary product or sample model that is created to test ideas/concepts, functionality, usability and feasibility
- Your prototype could be on paper, a wireframe, an interactive model or animation
- Early design concepts for mass production and/or scalability are welcome.
Completed Model:- A completed and refined model or product that demonstrates how your idea would work in practice
- Your completed model may be physical or digital and should demonstrate the intended functionality, user experience and key features of your design. Where full functionality is not possible, these should be clearly represented or explained
- Consider how your finished design could operate in the real world, including its practicality, sustainability, durability, accessibility and potential for future development, mass production or scalability.
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Still not sure where to begin?
Here are some ideas you may want to consider to help you kick-start your project:
- How to contribute to delivering a healthy plant
- Reducing carbon footprint
- Strategies to support NetZero
- Technology to drive the sustainability agenda
- Sustainable impact to support Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG).
The competition has been officially launched and you will receive an information pack, for those schools and colleges who have registered their interest. -
The prize
The winners will embark on a life-changing educational and cultural adventure to the USA.
The National Innovation Challenge will provide students with an unprecedented opportunity to gain new technical skills, work across borders, improve their personal thought process and develop international networks.
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Key dates (subject to change)
- National Innovation Challenge launch w/c Monday 21 September 2026
- Information pack sent to registered participants following registration
- All competition entries must be submitted by 5pm, Friday 12 March 2027
- Shortlisting will commence in March 2027 with a final submission from participants in May 2027
- Awards evening will take place in June 2027
- Winners to visit USA in September/October 2027 (to be confirmed).
Schools, FE Colleges, Sixth Forms register now
Organisations who are interested in the challenge can register now:
Terms and conditions
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions page for further information.
Further information
Bookmark this page to keep up to date with all competition details.
Details are subject to change.
Students from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are eligible to enter this competition.
The judges’ decisions are final, and no additional correspondence will be entered into once the winners have been announced for each category.
Due to the anticipated volume of entries individual feedback will not be supplied, unless your entry has been shortlisted.
Photo credits: Rob Addis Photography
