Competitions and awards are a fantastic way to show employers just what you can do.
Whether it's a chance to get an innovative business idea off the ground, study abroad or secure funding for the internship of a lifetime, it's a great way to stand out from the crowd.
Below you will find a selection of various challenges and awards. These are listed in alphabetical order so please be sure to check each item for specific dates and deadlines.
If you wish to search for further awards or scholarships, please log into JobsLive, click on 'Find a vacancy' and filter the Vacancy type by 'Studentships, scholarships & awards'.
Competitions, Surveys and Awards
- Crick Innovation Challenge
- Global Sustainability Challenge
- Huawei Tech Arena 2026
- Imperial Award
- Venture Catalyst Challenge
The Crick Innovation Challenge is a dynamic week-long hackathon-style programme bringing together early-career researchers passionate about innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of science.
Taking place from Monday 27 – Friday 31 July at the Francis Crick Institute in London, the programme welcomes MSc students, PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, clinicians, engineers, and scientific staff from across the UK.
For more information, and to apply before Tuesday 30 June, head to the Crick Innovation Challenge website.
Tech Arena is Huawei's annual global student competition in computer science, AI and related fields.
This is your moment to showcase your analytical modelling, optimization, and simulation skills, learn from industry experts, and compete for exciting prizes and internship opportunities. If you're studying in Europe or the United Kingdom, this is your moment to shine and make a difference. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to contribute to a high-stakes, high-impact field.
Head to the Tech Arena 2026 website for more information. Registration closes on Wednesday 15 July.
Want to earn an official extra from Imperial on your graduation transcript? Do you want recognition for your employer-friendly attributes? Then the Imperial Award is for you.
Open to all current students (and designed with input from the Careers Service), the Imperial Award gives you a completely private online portfolio to use as a diary or journal. The interactive journal lets you identify your best evidence to enhance your CV and, if you wish, to back up your claim to the assessors (one page of writing). The assessors give written, individual feedback. Multiple assessment periods are offered.
Why? College wants you to develop and rehearse the reflective self-awareness that employers seek from graduates and College is willing to recognise it, formally.
Simply register by logging in with your College username and password, click on ‘guidance’ to watch the promo video and read the Student Guidance pack [pdf], which contains all the information you need to start working towards the Imperial Award. Once you've registered, you’ll hear from the Award team about upcoming workshops and further guidance to support your progress.
It is free, has immediate benefits, runs all year and could enhance your official transcript.
Find out more here at the Imperial Award webpage.
Venture Catalyst Challenge is Imperial College London’s flagship entrepreneurial competition for Imperial students, alumni and early career researchers. It takes 25 teams through an intensive 3-month programme that supports the development of their innovative idea, and with a £100,000 prize fund, the chance to win big!
For more information, and to apply before Sunday 14 June, head to the Venture Catalyst Challenge website.