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.

Eshaan Niraj (centre), winner of the 2025 National Security Undergraduate of the Year Award

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.

Included here are hackathons, which can be excellent opportunities to try out and develop skills, network, and in some cases, win prizes! Employers value hackathon experience on a CV because participating demonstrates that you can work under pressure/think creatively/collaborate.  Examples of websites that advertise hackathons and competitions include Devpost, Kaggle, Major League Hacking and Eventbrite. Check the listings below for highlighted Hackathons .

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

AI Builders Challenge with IBM Bob

Join the AI Builders Challenge with IBM Bob, sponsored by IBM SkillsBuild, a global program designed for college and university students to build real-world AI solutions, develop in-demand technical skills, and showcase their work to a global audience.

Through monthly innovation challenges, hands-on learning experiences, and a collaborative developer community on GitHub and Discord, you'll gain practical experience using the latest IBM AI technologies while building projects that strengthen your technical portfolio and help you stand out as a next-generation AI innovator.

You can find the full details on the AI Builders Challenge website.

Global Sustainability Challenge
Imperial is teaming up with the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability and leading universities worldwide for the Global Sustainability Challenge – a new international competition tackling urgent environmental issues. 
 
Students will work in interdisciplinary teams, guided by expert mentors, to develop real-world solutions with global impact. This is a unique opportunity for students to collaborate across borders, build your skills, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Head to the Global Sustainability Challenge webpage for more information 
Huawei Tech Arena 2026

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.

Imperial Award

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. 

SharkNinja Jailbreak EDU (AI Hackathon)

SharkNinja is inviting a select group of current university students to join Jailbreak EDU, an exclusive 2-day AI hackathon taking place on Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 July at the SharkNinja London offices.

Working in cross-university teams, participants will tackle real business challenges using AI, develop innovative solutions, and pitch their ideas to SharkNinja leaders. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience, collaborate with peers from different disciplines, and learn from experts across a global consumer products company.

For more information, and to apply before Wednesday 8 July, visit the SharkNinja Jailbreak EDU webpage.