RAEng launches new competition for young engineers

The Royal Academy of Engineering and startup accelerator Entrepreneur First have launched a new competition open to engineering students and recently qualified graduates.

Known as The Future of Engineering, the competition will see the winner awarded £10,000 towards developing their business or idea, with a £5,000 prize going to the runner-up. Applicants are required to have been between 18 and 26 as of the end of 2016. They are not necessarily required to be studying an engineering subject but must have a demonstrable interest in engineering.

According to the RAEng, entrants will be asked: “to provide information on what they hope to achieve in the engineering field and how they plan on using their knowledge and skills to create a product or business that will have a profound and positive global impact.”

The deadline for entries is March 31 2017, after which a team of judges from across industry and academia will select a shortlist of 10, who will then attend a workshop to develop their ideas. The competition will culminate in an event hosted by the Academy where finalists will pitch their projects, with the winner and runner-up named in a gala ceremony that evening.

“The UK is home to an exceptional pool of engineering talent with real leadership potential,” said Zoe Jervier, global head of talent at Entrepreneur First.

“Our aim through this programme is to stretch the aspirations of individuals already demonstrating engineering excellence and who want to make a much larger impact through technology.”

Further information on eligibility and the application process can be found on the competition’s microsite. In partnership with the RAEng, Entrepreneur First has also produced a guide to help budding entrepreneurs understand the process of bringing an idea from concept to business.