Innovation Fest

Introducing Innovation Fest

Young people today face interconnected global challenges of a scale hitherto unseen: rising inequalities, the climate crisis, and the age of big tech have the world questioning everything we know.

Innovation Fest is a space to develop genuinely transformative solutions to these Grand Challenges, through the lens of systems change.

Across four days, you will:

1. Understand how social enterprise and innovation function as effective levers of systems change, enabling genuinely transformative solutions to global challenges. 

2. Learn about a range of diverse approaches to social enterprise and innovation. 

3. Build innovative solutions to interconnected global challenges, applying your university knowledge beyond the classroom.

4. Develop an entrepreneurial mindset by practicing skills such as prototyping, ideating, pitching and failing fast. 

5. Work effectively in interdisciplinary teams, strengthening collaboration skills and building valuable connections. 

Global challenges, local solutions

Innovation Fest is a UCL Grand Challenges event. This means we'll be taking an interdisciplinary approach to systems change, structured around four global challenges. As part of Innovation Fest, you'll choose one of the four tracks below:

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Mental health is one of the greatest societal challenges of our time. Rising rates of mental illness, particularly among young people, combined with global disparities in care and treatment, require innovative and comprehensive solutions. Mental health impacts everything from individual well-being to economic stability, demanding a multifaceted approach that addresses prevention and early intervention.

Climate Crisis

The world faces an escalating climate crisis, with rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss. Urgent action is needed to reduce emissions, adapt to changing ecosystems, and develop sustainable policies that benefit both people and the planet.

Data Empowered Societies

As data-driven technologies rapidly evolve, society faces both opportunities and risks. While data can unlock solutions to pressing global issues, there are growing concerns about privacy, fairness, and inclusion. Unequal access to data, misuse, and the ethical use of technology presents significant challenges in creating a society empowered by data, not hindered by it.

Inequalities: 

Inequalities are rising in London, the UK and globally. Public narratives increasingly trivialise or attack Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), while societies live through overlapping crises that place the heaviest burdens on the most vulnerable. At the same time, expert knowledge and lived experience are being contested, precisely when they are most needed to drive innovative solutions. 

Event programme

How do I sign up

You will be required to complete a short application form when purchasing your (free) ticket. Please note that this is not a confirmation of your place. All applicants will be informed of the results of their application at least 1 month before the event.

FAQs

Do I need to be part of a team already?

No. You will be sorted into teams according to your interest and background, but you don't need to come with a pre-formed group- or with anyone at all!

Do I need to be an expert in innovation, or any of the themes of the event?

No. Innovation Fest is totally beginner friendly. There will be plenty of opportunities to build your confidence, grow your knowledge and develop your skills across the week.

Do I need to attend all four days?

Yes, you must be free for all four days. There will be plenty of opportunities for unstructured collaboration across the week, but your attendance will be required. 

What will the prize be for the winning team?

We'll announce this nearer the event.