We believe in the power of young people to face the future and its challenges head on, and in the importance of collaboration with business.
Our award-winning Big Ideas Programme connects students with businesses local to them to start conversations around a sustainable future whilst educating a diverse young audience about the many opportunities within the STEM sector.
Solutions for the planet
A climate in crisis, a fragmented society where there is little integration between private business and public services, an unstable jobs market and a STEM sector dominated by white men…big problems need big solutions – and that’s where we come in.
The Big Ideas Programme is a national STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) and enterprise programme focused on finding creative solutions to sustainability issues. The programme is aimed at 11-14-year-olds and is delivered in partnership with our network of Business Partners. Their employees mentor teams of young people in schools, local to them, to develop creative solutions (or ‘Big Ideas’) to sustainability issues the young people themselves deeply care about. These Big Ideas are submitted into our Big Ideas Competition, with Regional Finals held at local universities and the National Final at the Palace of Westminster in London.
By linking together local schools, businesses, universities and other organisations, the programme is a platform for young people’s voices to be heard resulting in ripples of change flowing into businesses and communities from their Big Ideas.
Opportunities for Businesses
Opportunities for Schools
Our Big Ideas Programme Partners
students have participated in the Big Ideas Programme to date
%
of teachers said the Big Ideas Day encouraged them to be more creative in the way they tackled key issues like sustainability in the classroom
%
of business mentors believe the programme builds their organisation’s reputation in the local community
MEET THE TEAM
Sarah O’Conor
Big Ideas Programme Manager
Amy Ackroyd
Big Ideas Programme Coordinator
University & Other Supporters
Big Ideas Blog
When a Big Idea GROWS 🌱
Back in 2022, the seed of an idea was planted at a Big Ideas Day. The team wanted to focus on youth mental health, and they named themselves GROWTH (you’ll find out why shortly!). A successful Regional Final saw GROWTH land a place at the Big Ideas Programme National...
Big Ideas Programme 2025 National Final: The Results
The Big Ideas Programme National Final 2025 was an incredible day full of confidence, inspiration and passion! It was an extra special occasion as we presented The Jamie Baughan Award for the first time, in honour of someone who was a very special part of the Solutions for the Planet family.
Announcing our National Finalists for 2025!
After five nail-biting Regional Finals, we’re excited to share the list of teams who’ll be presenting at this year’s National Final in London in July!
The Big Ideas Programme aligns with:
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