Global Innovation Challenge

The Heriot-Watt Global Innovation Challenge is our flagship programme designed to inspire, nurture, and develop innovative ideas from our vibrant community of students and researchers worldwide. Through practical experience and expert mentorship, participants build the entrepreneurial mindset and critical skills needed to transform groundbreaking ideas into real-world impact.

The Global Innovation Challenge forms a crucial part of Heriot-Watt’s wider innovation ecosystem, preparing participants to advance their entrepreneurial journey through dedicated support from our Global Research, Innovation and Discovery (GRID) ecosystem and beyond.

The 2026 Global Innovation Challenge

This year's Global Innovation Challenge gives you the chance to compete for a prize of up to £5,000 to progress a business idea, while building a network of like-minded students, academics and alumni who are interested in entrepreneurship.

Over 9-weeks of concise practical workshops, you'll develop an idea, learn what it takes to start a business and connect with successful founders and industry partners who can support, challenge and inspire you along the way. You don't need to have an established business idea or previous experience to take part - curiosity and a willingness to get involved are enough!

The first workshop is on Wednesday 30 September. Registration closes Friday 25 September.

This workshop series is organised by Edinburgh campus and is delivered hybrid. You can join each workshop in person (in Edinburgh or Dubai), or online.

Sign up for the Global Innovation Challenge 2026

Open to all students, academics and recent alumni (up to 3 years post-graduation). Up to £30k prize funding available, offering max. £5k per winner.

Why take part?

Participating in the Global Innovation Challenge empowers students and researchers by helping them:

• Build entrepreneurial skills through workshops, networking opportunities, and personalised mentorship from industry experts.
• Collaborate across disciplines, cultures, and campuses—combining global perspectives with local insights to tackle real-world problems.
• Turn innovative ideas into viable solutions addressing pressing global challenges aligned with Heriot-Watt’s commitment to sustainability, social impact, and economic growth.
• Gain visibility and recognition for their creativity and initiative, opening doors to further funding, accelerator programmes, and career opportunities.

Who can get involved?

The Global Innovation Challenge is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students, PhD researchers, and recent graduates from across all our global campuses. Whether you’re studying business, science, engineering, or the social sciences, your ideas and enthusiasm are welcome.

We encourage diverse teams and innovative thinkers from all disciplines who want to learn, create, and make a difference.

How does it work?

Each year, the Challenge provides structured support to participants through clearly defined stages:

Ideation:

Develop innovative solutions around a given theme, addressing global issues that matter most.

Training and mentorship:

Gain access to tailored workshops, mentoring sessions, and collaborative events to refine your concept and entrepreneurial approach.

Pitching and presenting:

Showcase your solutions in front of expert panels, industry leaders, and potential investors, gaining invaluable feedback and insight.

Recognition and progression:

Outstanding participants and winning teams receive ongoing support to take their ideas forward—through further development opportunities, incubator spaces, or seed funding.

Our global impact

Since its inception, the Global Innovation Challenge has successfully engaged hundreds of entrepreneurial innovators annually, fostering a community of creative, confident, and future-ready individuals poised to drive innovation and economic impact on a global scale.

Previous participants have developed impactful solutions spanning healthcare technologies, sustainability initiatives, digital transformation, and social enterprise, demonstrating Heriot-Watt’s position as a leading incubator of talent and innovation worldwide.

Become part of the next generation of innovators

Join the Global Innovation Challenge to build your entrepreneurial confidence, tackle global issues, and turn ambitious ideas into reality. Whether you have a fully formed concept or simply a spark of inspiration, we’re here to help you explore its potential.