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
Solutions for the Planet Launches Big Ideas Programme in Suffolk with New Business Partner, electric vehicle charge point operator, Believ
Three Suffolk schools to benefit from year-long mentoring, enterprise education and real-world business support. Solutions for the Planet is delighted to announce the launch of its Big Ideas Programme in Suffolk for the first time, made possible through a new...
From Big Ideas Finalist to Youth Voice Champion: Rishi Kumar’s 10-Year Journey with Solutions for the Planet
In 2016, Rishi Kumar, a year 7 student who didn't know anyone in a new school, found himself sitting in a Big Ideas Day with no idea what he was about to embark on. Nearly a decade later, Rishi remains actively involved with Solutions for the Planet as a member of our...
Global Goals Week: Why Youth Innovation Is Critical to Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals
As Global Goals Week approaches, Solutions for the Planet explores how youth innovation and youth insight can accelerate progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals, helping organisations create more effective sustainability strategies and meaningful long-term impact.
The Big Ideas Programme aligns with:
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