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
Guest Blog: Big Ideas, Bright Futures: My Mentoring Journey with Wetherby High School
Guest Blog: Paul Kirby, Big Ideas Programme Mentor, from Northen Gas Networks One of the most powerful aspects of the Big Ideas Programme is the connection between young people and industry mentors who help bring their ideas to life. In this guest blog, Northern Gas...
Why we host the Big Ideas Programme National Final at the Houses of Parliament
Parliament is more than a historic building; it is the heart of British democracy and a place where ideas are debated, policies are shaped, and decisions are made that affect people's lives every day. We have hosted our Big Ideas Programme National Final at the...
The Big Ideas Competition 2026 National Final: The Results
Our BIGGEST ever Big Ideas Programme National Final was an inspiring and unforgettable day, bringing together 62 of the UK’s most passionate young innovators to showcase their ideas for a better future. Following months of hard work, dedication, and creativity, our...
The Big Ideas Programme aligns with:
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