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.
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 microsite |  |
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Logo feature in all email |
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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.