Innovation challenge hackathon

Apply by:  28 February 2026
Final selection: will take place in March

Next cohort: starts early May 2026

Time commitment: typically 1 day per month for live sessions

Location: In-person (London); virtual teams can be accommodated

Team Sponsor: one of your C-suite leaders

Unlock and realise hidden potential within your organisation.

A unique 6-month programme, where cross-functional teams (5 individuals in each team), address real challenges and opportunities within their company.

What makes this Hackathon different is its combination of R&D (driving innovation on real business priorities) with L&D (developing essential skills to make change happen).

Kickstarting the program in London, participants will receive their challenge from their company Sponsor/mentor. Subsequently, they’ll undergo comprehensive training in vital skills including

•  Creative and critical thinking
•  Accelerated collaboration
•  Design thinking and prototyping
•  Understanding the change process
•  Gaining support for innovation
•  ‘Stage’ and media skills in presenting and defending new ideas

The programme culminates at the final presentation and awards ceremony in London where teams will pitch their idea / proof-of-concept (POC) / working prototype, for recognition and for the possibility of the Innovation Hackathon Award.

 

What sets this Hackathon apart is its cross-industry collaboration and practical skill-building. While each team works on a live challenge within their own organisation, participants regularly share ideas, feedback, and best practices across sectors — offering valuable outside-in perspective.

The programme also includes hands-on training in essential skills often missing from traditional hackathons, including communication, presenting, negotiation, influencing, and securing internal buy-in — ensuring ideas don’t just stay on the whiteboard, but gain real traction.

Places are extremely limited.

If you’d like to learn more register your interest here