Discovering Confidence Through the Big Ideas Programme 

Rishi first joined the Big Ideas Programme in 2016 after recently joining Heath Park School in Wolverhampton. Like many students starting secondary school, he was still finding his feet. 

"I was quite quiet in a way and kind of kept to myself," he recalls. "Being the only kid from my primary school to move up to Heath Park, I didn't know anyone at all when I started." 

Working alongside classmates, Rishi developed an idea called The Hyper Monkey Band, a creative solution designed to tackle childhood obesity. Inspired by the popularity of fitness trackers and virtual pets, the concept centered around a wearable band and app where children could earn rewards for being active. 

While the idea itself was innovative, the experience soon became much bigger than the project. His team made it all the way to the Regional Final at the University of Wolverhampton but just before the event, Rishi's teammates withdrew, leaving him unexpectedly responsible for presenting the idea alone. 

What could have been an intimidating setback became a defining moment. 

"The Big Ideas Programme really did help me with building my confidence," he says. "It threw me in the deep end and I had to adapt to situations where I thought I would be supported by others, but I had to do the task independently instead." 

That confidence paid off. Rishi went on to win first place at the Regional Final before reaching the National Final, held at the Houses of Parliament, where his team achieved an impressive second place nationally. 

Learning Skills That Last a Lifetime 

For Rishi, one of the most valuable aspects of the programme was not simply developing an idea, but learning how to work with others, communicate effectively and adapt to new situations. 

These are skills that have continued to serve him throughout education and beyond. 

"The whole project is similar to what you would do in the workplace," he explains. "Working with other people, working with people that you don't know very well and having to work towards a goal. You don't realise how transferable those skills are at the time." 

The Big Ideas Programme also provided exposure to the world of work through business engagement opportunities. Rishi and his team were supported by professionals from Tarmac, including a visit to the company's headquarters in Solihull. 

For a student with limited opportunities to experience workplaces first-hand, this proved transformational. 

"It was very exciting because it was a proper workplace. We got to see how people worked and were treated professionally, even though we were only 11 or 12 years old." 

This early insight helped Rishi see beyond the classroom and imagine future possibilities for himself. 

Giving Back to the Programme 

After completing the programme, Rishi returned the following year as a student judge. 

It was an experience that gave him a completely different perspective. 

Having previously been disappointed not to win the National Final, judging helped him appreciate just how challenging the decision-making process can be when faced with so many strong ideas and presentations. 

More importantly, it marked the beginning of an ongoing relationship with Solutions for the Planet and the people who had supported him throughout his journey. 

"I'd built good relationships with the team and they had supported me throughout," he says. "It was just a really good opportunity to stay involved." 

Reconnecting as an Alumni 

After leaving school, Rishi and the organisation naturally lost touch for a few years. But when Solutions for the Planet was preparing to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Big Ideas Programme, Rishi reconnected with CEO Jen through LinkedIn. He was invited to attend the special anniversary National Final at the Science Museum, where he joined fellow alumni to share his experiences with the next generation of young innovators. 

The event became another important milestone in his journey. 

It introduced him to a wider network within the organisation and ultimately led to his involvement with the Youth Advisory Board and Youth Insights Panel. 

Today, while studying law and completing a master's degree, Rishi continues to contribute his perspective to help shape projects, programmes and partnerships. 

Why Youth Voice Matters 

At Solutions for the Planet, we strongly believe young people should not simply be participants in conversations about the future. They should help lead them. Rishi has seen first-hand why that matters. 

"I think young people's voices are just as valuable as anybody else's," he says. "They're going to step into the shoes of the people making decisions in the future." 

He believes young people bring a unique perspective because they are often able to offer honest, unfiltered views on challenges and opportunities. As organisations navigate complex issues such as sustainability, innovation and social impact, these fresh perspectives can be incredibly valuable. 

"Someone who isn't constrained by how things have always been done can offer a completely different point of view," Rishi explains. "Even if an idea can't be implemented exactly as suggested, there's still value in understanding the thinking behind it." 

His contributions through the Youth Insights Panel help ensure those perspectives are heard and considered. 

A Lasting Legacy of Impact 

Now almost ten years on from his first Big Ideas presentation, Rishi's story demonstrates exactly what the Big Ideas Programme is designed to achieve. 

Yes, it helps young people develop innovative solutions to environmental and social challenges. But just as importantly, it builds confidence, communication skills, teamwork, leadership and resilience. It helps young people recognise the value of their own voice and understand that their ideas can make a difference. 

For Rishi, those lessons have stayed with him throughout school, university and into the next stage of his career. 

"Without Solutions for the Planet, I don't think I would have come out of my shell as much," he reflects. "It's had a real impact on who I am." 

As an organisation, we are incredibly proud to see alumni like Rishi continue to grow, succeed and give back. His journey highlights the importance of investing in young people, creating opportunities for them to be heard and ensuring that youth voice remains embedded at the heart of everything we do. 

Because when young people are empowered to share their ideas today, they become the leaders, innovators and changemakers of tomorrow.