Young Innovators Challenge

What is It?

The Young Innovators Challenge is a competition aimed at finding Scotland's innovators of tomorrow. It will provide Scotland's 18 - 24 year olds in training, further and higher education with the opportunity to turn their innovative ideas into a reality. Participation in the process will provide opportunities to develop business and entrepreneurial skills as well as gain an understanding of how to set up and run a business.

A number of industry related challenges will be announced shortly.  Scotland's young people will then be tasked with creating and designing innovative solutions to these challenges.  Finalists will be invited to pitch their ideas to a panel of industry and business experts for the chance to win up to £50k and a year of business support.

Five industry related challenge videos will be showcased at Challenge Labs in February, with each explaining current industry trends and challenges in that sector. Scotland's young people will then be tasked with creating and designing innovative solutions to these challenges.  Finalists will be invited to pitch their ideas to a panel of industry and business experts for the chance to win up to £50,000 to take their idea forward and will also receive a year of business support.

There are six categories for the competition.

The categories are:-

 

What can I win?

The winning entries will receive a cash prize of up to £50,000 to be used to support the development of their idea over the period of one year. They will also receive a year's worth of support from a business advisor to help them take their idea forward, as well as input from Scotland's enterprise agencies and industry representatives.   All participants will benefit from professional support and guidance on innovation and entrepreneurship.  Finalists will benefit from an additional three day residential opportunity to help develop their ideas further as well as their negotiating and business pitching skills.

Who is it for?

The prize will be open to 18 - 24 year olds who are about to finish their college or university course as well as those participating in national training programmes.

Do I have to enter myself or can I enter with friends?

The competition will be open to individuals entries and entries from teams of up to three people

What will I be asked for in my entry?

Read more information about what you will be asked in our background information for applications!

I'm interested but I don't have an idea!

Check out our 'Inspirational Insights' web pages, like our Facebook page, sign up to our newsletter and follow @_sie_ @YIC2013 and #YIC2013 #inspirationalideas on twitter.

HOW DO I APPLY?

31st May: PLEASE NOTE THAT THE COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED FOR ENTRIES.

We are currently assessing entries and will be inviting shortlisted applicants to participant in the residential YIC Bootcamp taking place from 17 - 20th June. 

Judging day will take place in Glasgow on the 11th July.


SIGN UP TO OUR YIC MAILING LIST TO KEEP UP TO DATE -
CLICK HERE! You'll receive regular e-news updates on the competition, tips and advice.

February's Challenge Labs are now finished. You can now watch all of the Challenge Videos online. Visit YIC2013challenges on Youtube.


For any general enquiries about the Young Innovators Challenge please contact:
Email: YIC@sie.ac.uk
Telephone: 0141 330 8793

YIC Facebook page
Twitter: @YIC2013