Harrow, Richmond and Uxbridge Colleges (HRUC) today announced that Amazon is the first-ever Platinum Sponsor of the HRUC National Innovation Challenge (NIC), a growing initiative aimed at empowering young people to tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues.
The second year for the NIC
Led by HRUC in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Industrial Liaison Program (MIT ILP), the competition is now in its second year with submissions being received from schools, colleges and sixth forms across the UK. It encourages students to design practical, real-world solutions while developing key technical, creative and teamwork skills.
Inspire and empower the next generation
The sponsorship announcement builds on the existing connection between the two organisations, which has resulted in a number of emerging projects and initiatives. This includes programmes designed to inspire and empower the next generation through Amazon’s UK Girls’ Tech Day events, International Women’s Day events and Careers Tech Panel.
The Challenge is supported by Konnie Huq, a BBC presenter and STEM ambassador, who has highlighted the importance of nurturing young talent. This year’s theme — Sustainability and AI — calls on participants to design innovations that could contribute to a more sustainable future, reflecting increasing global focus on environmental challenges and emerging technologies.
From the classroom to the global stage
The competition offers significant incentives. Winning teams will earn a trip to the United States, where they will collaborate with leading experts in science, technology, engineering and innovation, with the aim of taking students’ ideas “from the classroom to the global stage.”
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.”
Keith Smith, HRUC CEO, said:
“We’re proud to welcome Amazon as our first-ever National Innovation Challenge Platinum Sponsors. This is a reflection of the growth of the Challenge and builds on HRUC’s longstanding connection with Amazon to support and inspire students through and beyond the curriculum.”
Other exciting sponsorship opportunities are on offer. For more details of how your organisation can sponsor the National Innovation Challenge see our Sponsorship page.