Next Big Idea
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DO YOU HAVE AN IDEA READY TO MAKE AN IMPACT?
AFBE’s Next Big Idea Pitching Competition is your opportunity to showcase innovation, gain recognition, and accelerate your vision.
Submit your entry for a chance to win prizes, mentorship, and funding support.
Join us in person on 30 October 2026 at The Vox, Birmingham, during the inspiring AFBELive! Conference — where innovation, collaboration, and Diversity & Inclusion in Engineering and Technology take centre stage.
Why Enter?
Selected finalists will have the opportunity to:
- Secure funding to support further development
- Deliver a live 3-minute pitch to senior business leaders
- Showcase their vision at a leading industry event
- First Prize: £750
- Second Prize: £500
- Third Prize: £300
Step forward. Share your idea. Shape the future.
1. AI for Workforce Equity
Design bold AI-driven solutions that reduce bias in recruitment, improve fair progression, and create measurable equity across the workforce. Think about how intelligent systems can unlock equal opportunity at scale.
2.Reinventing the Global Supply Chain
How Do We Build Supply Chains That Leaves No One Behind?
Reimagine supplier networks to ensure accessibility, inclusion, and fair participation across global markets. What solutions can create economic opportunity while strengthening resilience and competitiveness?
3. Net Zero Through Supplier Transformation
Develop innovative approaches that enable suppliers to achieve net-zero targets while progressing economically. Think about how sustainable supply chains can accelerate both environmental and business performance.
4. Designing Products for an Equitable World
Create forward-thinking product strategies that ensure accessibility, affordability, and fairness across diverse communities and global workforces.
5. The Future-Ready Workforce
How Do We Equip People for Evolving Global Markets?
Propose solutions that align skills, digital transformation, and AI integration to prepare workforces for emerging industries, new technologies, and a more equitable future of work.
The three top ideas will be chosen from each theme. Chosen ideas are invited to pitch their ideas to key decision makers actively leading their respective categories at the AFBELive! conference.
Competition Timeline:
- 2 March 2026: Applications open for entry
- 31 July 2026: Applications close
- 17 August 2026: Successful applicants notified
- 30 October 2026: Competition date
Don’t miss out, get involved as soon as possible! Click the button below to share your brilliant idea with us and be part of this competition.