Put your business in front of innovators, creators, and leaders
HRUC is proud to have launched the UK’s first National Innovation Challenge with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Industrial Liaison Program (ILP), celebrating the creativity and ambition of young minds shaping the future. In 2025, nearly 200 schools and colleges took part, with winning students travelling to Boston, USA, to collaborate with world-leading MIT researchers, an experience that inspired new possibilities.
Now, we’re inviting you to join us and be part of a powerful partnership. Sponsor the 2026 National Innovation Challenge and help empower the next generation to turn bold ideas into real-world impact.
"This competition allowed our young minds to think big!"
Sean Carlyle, Matthew Rawcliffe and Robert O'Callaghan - St Bede's Catholic High School, Lancashire.
Our 2026 sponsors
A big thank you to our employer sponsors who continuously support the amazing and innovative talent emerging from schools, colleges and sixth forms throughout the UK. Your involvement helps students apply their skills, gain industry insight and connect with potential career pathways.
Find out more about our 2026 sponsors below.
Platinum
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Amazon
Amazon delivers a comprehensive portfolio of cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity and machine learning solutions designed to empower businesses, governments and educational institutions across the globe.Ben Watson, Regional Data Centre Operations Leader for Amazon Web Services in the UK, said:
“We’re proud to support the National Innovation Challenge as part of our commitment to empowering the next generation of innovators. Innovation thrives when we provide young minds with the tools and opportunities to tackle real-world challenges. By supporting programmes like the National Innovation Challenge, we're investing in future leaders who will drive positive change in their communities and beyond.”
Bronze
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Didactic
Didactic Services Ltd is proud to be at the forefront of technical education, delivering innovative equipment and solutions that help shape the future workforce.
As the official Festo Partner for the UK & Ireland, Didactic provides world-leading Festo Didactic teaching equipment and learning solutions designed to inspire and equip the next generation of engineers, technicians and innovators.From designing and implementing cutting-edge learning laboratories to developing educational equipment and training programmes, Didactic supports both educational institutions and industrial organisations in preparing people to thrive in fast-moving, complex industrial environments.
Babak Jahanbani, Managing Director, shared:
“We are proud to support the next generation of talent through the National Innovation Challenge. Competitions like this are essential for engaging young people and encouraging them to explore careers in technology.”
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One Care iT
Based in West London, One Care iT (OCiT) has been delivering trusted technology solutions for over 20 years across managed services, communications, consultancy and sustainability.A strong supporter of future talent, OCiT provides young people with valuable real-world IT experience through its apprenticeship programme with HRUC, as well as short-term work experience opportunities, while also helping them build essential life skills. Its impact has been widely recognised, with awards including Apprenticeship Employer of the Year, Innovative Company of the Year and a commendation for Community Investment.
Pally Randhawa, Director, said:
“We are proud to support HRUC with this amazing competition. Opportunities like this are rare and it is fantastic to see a local college open it up to the whole of the UK. We are excited to be supporting such an initiative.”
Partner with us
Powerful Partnerships: Forge lasting alliances with UK colleges, schools and employers by positioning your brand at the heart of education and industry collaboration.
Elite Brand Positioning: Elevate your reputation by aligning with one of the world’s most respected institutions in innovation, technology and education.
Significant Media Exposure: Showcase your brand alongside leading industry figures, gaining national coverage and recognition within influential, academic and professional networks.
Global Prestige and Long -Term Impact: Associate your company with an innovation journey that culminates in the USA, projecting your brand to an international audience and reinforcing global credibility.
Early Access to Top Talent: Secure an early pipeline to exceptional innovators in STEM, reducing recruitment costs while positioning your company as the employer of choice for future leaders.
Catalyst for Innovation: Support breakthrough student projects to enhance your R&D and unlock new business opportunities.
Visible ESG Leadership: Stand out as a champion of sustainability, diversity and education by strengthening your ESG credentials and demonstrating action on UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Engaged Workforce Development: Inspire and upskill your employees through high-impact sponsorship roles such as mentoring, judging and volunteering on a national stage.
"The National Innovation Challenge is just the type of initiative that bridges industry and education"
Jason Knight, Heathrow Airport.
Sponsorship packages
| Package Options | Bronze | Silver | Gold | Platinum |
| Logo on website |  |
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Logo feature in all email
campaigns and communication with participants |
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| Branded goodie bag insert (one item) with logo at Awards |
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| Logo on digital screens during Awards |
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| Headline Sponsor Promotion in Press Release |
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| Logo on promotional photo wall at Awards |
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| Ad in Awards programme | ¼ Page | ¼ Page | ½ Page | Full Page |
| VIP Seats at Awards Table | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| LinkedIn Social Media Campaign Posts |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| National Judging Panel Member | |
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| Presenting Awards to Category Winners |
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| Speaking at Awards | 5 mins | |||
| Post-event Social Media Spotlight Feature (Awards) |
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Be part of this incredible journey
Now, we invite you to join this incredible journey by sponsoring the National Innovation Challenge 2026.
Click the button below to register your interest.