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Each spring, students collaborate with peers from partner universities and industry mentors to explore solutions to real environmental, social and business challenges. Working in interdisciplinary teams, participants develop ideas, receive expert feedback and present their
Why take part?
Students who take part in the Sustainable Innovation Challenge gain practical experience working on real sustainability issues while developing skills that employers value.
The programme helps students:
- build confidence working in teams
- develop innovative and creative thinking
- gain experience presenting ideas
- connect with students from other universities
- engage with employers and mentors
The challenge provides a supportive environment where students can try new ideas, develop their skills and expand their professional networks.
solutions at the end of the programme.
The challenge is designed primarily to support students engaging with EQ+ and widening participation initiatives, helping ensure that students from all backgrounds can access meaningful employability experiences.
What is the Sustainable Innovation Challenge?
The Sustainable Innovation Challenge is a team-based programme where university students work together to develop innovative ideas responding to a sustainability or innovation brief.
Students work in small teams and are supported by careers professionals, mentors and industry partners throughout the challenge. At the end of the programme, teams present their ideas to a panel of experts.
Participants gain experience in:
- teamwork and collaboration
- innovation and problem solving
- sustainability awareness
- pitching and presenting ideas
- working with employers and mentors
The programme is designed to simulate a real-world innovation project while providing structured support and guidance.
Who can take part?
The challenge is open to students from across the University of Liverpool and is designed to create opportunities for students who may face barriers to traditional employability experiences.
This includes students who are:
- from widening participation backgrounds
- disabled or neurodivergent
- mature students
- from ethnic minority backgrounds
- first-generation university students
The aim is to create an inclusive environment where students can develop confidence, build professional networks and explore new ideas.
Working with partners and employers
A key part of the Sustainable Innovation Challenge is collaboration with external partners and universities.
Students work alongside peers from partner institutions and receive guidance from employers, mentors and innovation advisers throughout the programme.
These partnerships help create a realistic innovation environment where students can test ideas, receive feedback and gain insight into how organisations approach sustainability challenges.
The initiative brings together universities, employers and industry experts to deliver an experience that supports both employability and inclusive talent development.
What to expect
While each year’s challenge is different, the programme typically includes:
- a live sustainability or innovation brief
- interdisciplinary teamwork with students from partner universities
- mentoring from employers and industry experts
- workshops and guided activities
- a final pitch or presentation event
Impact
The Sustainable Innovation Challenge has delivered positive outcomes for students, universities and employers.
Previous programmes have shown that:
- 80% of participants progressed into graduate roles, placements or further study
- 76% of employers involved actively seek diverse talent through initiatives like this
Students report gaining confidence, teamwork skills and professional networks that help them move forward in their careers.
Past event highlights
Cross-border Sustainable Innovation Challenge
Students from the University of Liverpool recently joined peers from Ulster University, Manchester Metropolitan University and the Berlin School of Economics and Law to take part in a cross-border sustainability challenge.
The event brought together students to explore sustainability issues affecting communities and industries. Teams worked with business advisers and mentors before presenting their ideas at a final showcase event.
Berlin Innovation Challenge
Students previously travelled to Berlin to participate in the Berlin Innovation Challenge, working alongside students from partner universities including Ulster University and HWR Berlin.
Participants collaborated in international teams to develop innovative ideas addressing a challenge set by Handshake, focusing on creating sustainable solutions that strengthen meaningful connections within its community.
Berlin Innovation ISE award
The programme included:
- 70 participating students
- multiple partner universities
- mentoring from employers and innovation specialists
Sustainable Business Challenge (online)
The challenge has also been delivered online, bringing together students from universities across the UK and Europe.
Students worked in virtual teams to develop ideas responding to sustainability challenges linked to global business and economic recovery.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need previous business or innovation experience?
No previous experience is required. Students from all degree subjects are welcome to take part.
What skills will I develop?
Participants develop teamwork, communication, innovation, sustainability awareness and presentation skills.
Who runs the challenge?
The programme is delivered by the University of Liverpool Careers and Employability team in collaboration with partner universities, employers and industry mentors.
Sign up
Applications for the next Sustainable Innovation Challenge will open soon.
Places are limited and priority is given to students engaging with EQ+ and widening participation initiatives.
Register your interest to hear when the next challenge opens.
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