AI Futures Challenge
AI Futures
Our AI Futures Challenge is an award-winning innovative programme for Year 12 students. The challenge offers a unique, hands-on, industry-connected experience, solving real-world problems using AI, whilst considering business, ethical, technical and social dimensions. All with the support of university and business specialists.
It is a fantastic opportunity to:
- solve an industry-led business challenge with AI, supported by specialists
- develop practical skills, networks and digital credentials to gain a competitive edge in university applications
- learn how different disciplines work together to create better solutions
- network with like-minded students from around the world
- win a £1,000 scholarship
What is it
A five-day online innovation challenge for Year 12 students, enabling students to gain experience of working on a real-life business challenge set by one of our start-up hub businesses.
Participants work individually or in teams of 2-3 to address a business-sponsored challenge using AI, receiving academic support and feedback.
The challenge culminates in a project submission which can be in one of the following formats:
- portfolio of work
- video or recorded presentation
- presentation with notes
Who can enter
Students in their penultimate year of secondary education (equivalent to Year 12 in the UK). You can enter the challenge as a team or individually. If you’re planning on entering as a team, all members of the group should register their interest using the form below.
When is it
Optional pre work week: 8th February- 12th February 2027
Challenge week: 15th February- 19th February 2027
Project submission: 8pm Sunday, 21st February 2027
The challenge spans five days, but you have complete flexibility in how much time you dedicate to your project. This isn’t an intensive, back-to-back programme – you can work at your own pace and fit the challenge around your other commitments.
Before the challenge week begins, you’ll receive a few hours of optional online pre-work covering how to use AI and other focus areas that will help you prepare.
During the 5 days:
- the challenge will be released on Monday 15th February 2027
- drop-ins with academic faculty (different times to suit various time zones)
- projects submitted by 8pm on Sunday 21st February 2027
Whether you have a few hours or can dedicate more focused time, the challenge is designed to be flexible and rewarding at any level of engagement.
Why should I participate
Our five-day challenge is a fantastic opportunity to:
- solve an industry-led business challenge with AI, supported by specialists
- develop practical skills, networks and digital credentials to gain a competitive edge in university applications
- learn how different disciplines work together to create better solutions
- win a £1,000 scholarship
What will I gain?
This is an award-winning programme, recognised with the Silver Award for Innovative Use of Technology at the HEIST Awards 2026. so you’re gaining experience through a challenge that’s been externally validated for its quality and innovation.
As well as developing new knowledge and valuable practical skills, all participants will receive:
- digital certificates of participation
- LinkedIn credentials badge
- access to an exclusive online event after challenge has taken place
Shortlisted projects will receive:
- a £1,000 scholarship to be used on first-year tuition fees at Northeastern University London
- team feedback from the panel of judges
- category excellence awards awarded for submissions that demonstrate high levels of innovation, sustainability or collaboration
How do I enter
Please register your interest in taking part using this form.
We will then be in touch ahead of the challenge starting to take your, or your team’s registration.
You can get answers to frequently asked questions at the AI Futures Challenge FAQ’s page or contact us at undergraduate.study@nulondon.ac.uk.
View terms and conditions here.
Register today
Northeastern University London is a charity
registered with the Charity Commission for
England and Wales (charity number 1189858).
Location
Devon House
58 St Katharine’s Way
London E1W 1LP, UK
+44 20 7637 4550
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