A 2,000km journey across the UK, thousands of inspired students, and the chance to win a life-changing prize; the National Innovation Challenge (NIC) 2027 has now officially begun.
Yaseen Akhtar, Managing Director of the West London Institute of Technology, and Dr Niamh Shaw, NIC ambassador and chair of the independent judging panel, travelled to schools and colleges across the country to encourage students to submit their projects on the theme of Tomorrow’s World.
The winning teams will experience a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States.
The NIC gives young people a real platform
First up was St Modan’s High School in Stirling, Scotland, on Monday 21 September. St Modan’s student and NIC 2026 finalist Oleksandr joined Yaseen and Dr Shaw during their assembly.
Bob Raphael, Design and Technology teacher at St Modan’s, said: “The NIC gives young people a real platform to develop their ideas and we’re delighted to be involved to see what our students come up with next.”
An amazing experience
Next was St Bede’s Catholic High School in Ormskirk, Lancashire, on Tuesday 22 September. The excitement was palpable as NIC 2026 Secondary School winners Timothy, Ollie and Wojtek spoke to fellow students about their upcoming trip to MIT next month.
Ollie said: "I’m really excited to visit the USA and I’m already counting down the days. I can’t wait to share my idea with professors at MIT. It’s going to be an amazing experience.”
Fascinating and truly inspirational
Later the same day, Yaseen and Dr Shaw made their way to Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMET) to give an assembly to students.
Ali Ershad, Head of DigiTEC at BMET, said: “Dr Niamh Shaw’s presentation was fascinating and truly inspirational. Our learners are now excited about the opportunity to develop their own ideas.”
Be confident in your ideas
It was a return to home turf next when Yaseen and Dr Shaw gave an assembly at Uxbridge College on Wednesday 23 September. They were joined by NIC 2026 College winners Shlok, Xainaldo and Faithon, who are also heading to MIT next month.
Shlok said: "I’d encourage anyone thinking about entering next year to go for it! Be confident in your ideas, make the most of the opportunity and see where it can take you.”
Ideas can have real impact
Next up was Exeter College on Thursday 24 September, where Dr Shaw once again inspired students with her passion for science and technology.
Toby Coombes, Group Executive Director of CIS at Exeter College, said: “We were delighted to give our students the opportunity to engage with such an inspiring programme. The sessions encouraged them to recognise that their ideas can have real impact.”
Simply go for it!
Finally, Yaseen and Dr Shaw headed to Cardiff and Bridgend in Wales on Friday 25 September. They were joined by NIC 2026 finalist Dylan at Bridgend College, and fellow finalist Carys at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Edern in Cardiff.
Dylan said: “My advice to students would be to simply go for it!”
Led by HRUC (Harrow, Richmond and Uxbridge Colleges) in collaboration with the MIT Industrial Liaison Program, the NIC aims to empower young people to tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues.
To register your interest or find out more, visit NIC 2027: Tomorrow's World | HRUC