Imperial is supporting Vodafone’s Future Changers, a worldwide competition for young adults to find tech solutions to environmental challenges.

Running until 20 October 2019, entrants are invited to submit ideas through the Vodafone Future Changers online hub. The competition is open to entrants from 14 participating markets, including Imperial students and researchers from any discipline or level of study.

A panel of expert judges, including Imperial’s Director of Entrepreneurship, Ben Mumby-Croft, will select a winner, who will be offered support to develop their technology idea.

Entrepreneurial ecosystem

The programme will make use of the College’s vibrant ecosystem of programmes and services that support technology development and entrepreneurship, offering the winner the opportunity to join Imperial’s Techcelerate business accelerator, which helps participants to test the market potential of their technology ideas. Vodafone will further support the winner with mentoring and a £5,000 green tech fund to assist in the development of their idea.

Jacqueline Field, Global Head of Resourcing at Vodafone said: “Young people can make an enormous difference to the future, and our Future Changers competition is a real opportunity for Vodafone to find and nurture the best ideas from digital pioneers that can help the environment through technology.”

Ben Mumby-Croft said: “At Imperial we’re passionate about nurturing entrepreneurial talent and supporting the next generation of gamechangers and pioneers to think big, be bold and make a difference. As part of this mission, we’re delighted to be supporting Future Changers and look forward to working with the winning idea.”

Industry and entrepreneurship

Dr Simon Hepworth, Imperial’s Director of Enterprise, said: “At Imperial, we have a strong track record of bringing together industry partners with a new generation of researchers, entrepreneurs and innovators. Our work with Vodafone for the Future Changers competition is a great example of how we facilitate connections and collaborations to create real benefits for society.”