Aspiring future engineers and technicians are invited to come up with bold innovations as a national competition returns for its third year.
The National Innovation Challenge (NIC) is encouraging students from schools, colleges and sixth forms across the UK to submit their projects on the theme of Tomorrow’s World.
The winning teams will embark on a life-changing trip to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States in autumn 2027, where they will have the chance to collaborate with world-leading researchers, gain new technical skills, and build international networks.
Spanning a wide variety of disciplines – including digital, IT, healthcare, and engineering – students are challenged to imagine the future and develop bold, innovative ideas that could shape the way we live, work and interact.
Students are encouraged to turn their ideas into practical solutions that could make a real difference locally, nationally or globally. Through their projects, students will develop their technical, creative and collaborative skills, with the chance to have their efforts recognised on an international stage.
The winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony in summer 2027. At the 2026 final in central London earlier this year, the shortlisted entrants had the chance to network with representatives from MIT, Amazon, BT, and more.
Yaseen Akhtar, Managing Director of the West London Institute of Technology, said: “Your idea could be the one that changes the future. NIC 2027 is your opportunity to turn creativity into real-world impact, showcase your talent on a national stage, and potentially take your innovation all the way to MIT. Challenge yourself to think differently and take your idea to the next level.”
This year, Dr Niamh Shaw has joined the Challenge as NIC ambassador and chair of the independent judging panel. An engineer, scientist, explorer, award-winning science communicator and Fellow of Engineers Ireland, Dr Shaw has built her career around curiosity, exploration and helping people see what is possible when we challenge conventional thinking. Her experience spans STEM, public engagement, education and exploration.
Dr Shaw said: “I’m delighted to become ambassador for the NIC 2027 and to chair the independent judging panel. I’m particularly excited to see the ideas, ingenuity and ambition that participants will bring to the Challenge.”
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. Previous projects have included a synthetic tree to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, a worktop device which provides real-time recycling instructions, and a smart road hump which helps to create renewable energy.
To register your interest or find out more, visit NIC 2027: Tomorrow’s World | HRUC
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