2026 National Innovation Challenge launching soon

This year, we proudly launched our very first National Innovation Challenge (NIC) in partnership with the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT. At the historic Institute of Engineering & Technology (IET) in London, three pioneering student teams from across the UK were crowned as winners at a brilliant awards evening, hosted by TV presenter and STEM ambassador, Konnie Huq. These talented students will soon be travelling to Boston, USA to visit MIT and learn from some of the brightest research talent in the world.

We’ll be kicking off the 2026 Challenge in the coming weeks: seeking ideas and submissions from schools and colleges across the UK and culminating in a stunning showpiece event in summer next year.

Find out more about the Challenge

NIC profiles

  • Konnie Huq

    Konnie Huq - British television and radio presenter, screenwriter and children's author

    Konnie Huq is one of Britain’s most engaging and respected presenters.

    She was BBC Blue Peter’s longest-serving female presenter from 1997-2008. During her time on Blue Peter, Konnie presented a number of science-filled segments, from technology, climate change, to economics and has consistently inspired the younger generation in STEM activities.

    Konnie kick-started our National Innovation Competition at our launch last year.

     

     

     

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.

All judges decisions will be final and no further discussion will be entered into once the winners have been announced for each category.

Due to the anticipated volume of entries individual feedback will not supplied, unless your entry has been shortlisted.

National Innovation Challenge logos including HRUC, MIT ILP and WLIoT