Global Innovation Challenge returns – 2025 applications now open
Heriot-Watt University is excited to launch the 2025 Global Innovation Challenge (GIC), following consecutive growth and outstanding feedback from students, alumni and academics across the globe.
Delivered by the university's GRID (Global Research, Innovation and Discovery) team, this flagship entrepreneurial challenge invites students, researchers and recent graduates from all Heriot-Watt campuses to take part in a high-energy programme designed to spark ideas, build skills and to to take their innovation forward in a supportive environment.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore entrepreneurship or looking to take an existing idea to the next stage, GIC gives you the tools and confidence to make it happen!
What to expect
The Global Innovation Challenge is more than just a competition, it’s a launchpad. Through a 10-week series of engaging, expert-led workshops, participants will build essential entrepreneurial skills, from idea generation and customer discovery, to funding strategies and pitching. The programme culminates in the opportunity to pitch for up to £5,000 in funding to develop your business idea further.
Sessions are designed to be practical, supportive and inspiring; and you can join from Edinburgh, Dubai, Malaysia, Orkney, the Scottish Borders or Heriot-Watt Online. You’ll also have the chance to connect with fellow innovators from across our global university community.
Last year’s challenge drew over 500 participants from across all campuses, making it one of Heriot-Watt’s largest entrepreneurship events to date.
Key dates
- Applications open now
- Deadline to apply: Friday, 19 September 2025
- Workshops start: Wednesday, 24 September 2025
- Workshops schedule: Weekly sessions every Wednesday: Edinburgh, Galashiels, Orkney: 12.30 - 14.00 BST (in person / online) Dubai, UAE: 15.30 - 17.00 (in person / online) Malaysia: 19:30 - 21.00 (online only)
- Workshop and pitch outcomes - late November.
The challenge is open to all Heriot-Watt students, staff, and alumni (within three years of graduation), from any background or discipline. Whether you’ve got a fully-formed business concept or even just the beginnings of an idea, you’ll be supported every step of the way.
Ready to take part?
Sign up today and take the first step on your entrepreneurial journey: https://forms.office.com/e/zqxJz61eG9
If you have any questions or want to learn more, contact the GRID team at grid@hw.ac.uk.