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.

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.