Student Innovation Projects and Challenges
Student Innovation Projects
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- How will Student Innovation Projects benefit you?
- Eligibility for Student Innovation Projects
- What is a Student Innovation Project?
- How to apply for a Student Innovation Project
Student Innovation Projects - Ƭ out more
Your time at university isn’t just about passing exams and completing assignments — it’s about building a toolkit of valuable, transferable skills that can shape your future. But the real question is: how can you bring those skills to life?
That’s where Student Innovation Projects come in. These projects give you the chance to showcase your strengths, step into a real working environment, and make a tangible impact on how an organisation operates. It’s your opportunity to move beyond theory, boost your experience, and prove just how far your skills can take you.
Student Innovation Challenges
Just like the Student Innovation Projects, the Innovation Challenge puts you in a small team of 3–5 students to tackle a real business challenge from a client. You’ll collaborate, research the problem, and deliver creative, practical solutions that could make a real impact on the organisation.
Student Innovation Projects
How will Student Innovation Projects benefit you?
These projects are your chance to tackle real-life business challenges alongside students from a variety of disciplines. Working in a small team, you’ll collaborate directly with a business or non-profit organisation to design creative solutions that make a real difference and help organisations thrive.
Not only will you gain invaluable experience and insights into how businesses operate, but you’ll also start building a professional network — all while sharpening key skills employers are looking for, such as:
- Confidence
- Time management
- Report writing
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Market research
- Presentation skills
- Commercial awareness
It’s more than just a project — it’s a chance to challenge yourself, grow your skillset, and leave a lasting impact.
For full details, please see the.
Have questions? Get in touch at workexp@southampton.ac.uk.
Eligibility for Student Innovation Projects
Student Innovation Projects are a unique opportunity exclusively for University of Southampton students. If you’re currently studying here and can commit to the full 4-week duration, you’re eligible to apply!
Open to all degree disciplines — bring your unique skills, no matter your background
Flexible — just make sure the project doesn’t clash with your academic workload
Competitive — places are limited, and selection is based on the quality of your application
Flexible — just make sure the project doesn’t clash with your academic workload
Competitive — places are limited, and selection is based on the quality of your application
As these projects are designed to be truly impactful, the application process is selective. We look for:
- Clear, well-written answers
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Commitment and enthusiasm
We also carefully build interdisciplinary teams, bringing together students from different degree subjects, year groups, and nationalities to create a rich mix of perspectives and skills.
You can apply for multiple projects — but you’ll only be able to participate in one at a time. If you’re already working on a project, you won’t be placed on another running simultaneously.
This is your chance to collaborate, innovate, and stand out. Don’t miss it!
What is a Student Innovation Project?
Imagine working with a small team of students to solve a real business or charity challenge — and then presenting your solutions directly to the client. That’s exactly what you’ll do on a Student Innovation Project. Over 4 weeks, you’ll research, collaborate, and deliver practical recommendations that can make a real difference.
Here’s what’s involved:
- Kick-off training session to get you project-ready
- Meet your new teammates and the Work Experience Team
- Initial client meeting to dig into their business needs
- Ongoing support from both your client and Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise
- Work flexibly with your team (around 4–6 hours per week) while managing your other commitments
- Final report andpresentation to your client and Careers team — showcase your solutions!
- Reflection session to identify the skills you’ve gained and learn how to highlight them in future applications
Duration: 4 weeks | Commitment: 4–6 hours per week
Meetings: A mix of virtual and in-person (with travel expenses reimbursed if required)
This is your chance to step outside the classroom, build experience that employers love, and prove you can turn ideas into impact.
How to apply for Student Innovation Projects
Getting started is simple! You can .
As part of your application, you’ll answer two key questions:
Why would you like to participate in a Student Innovation Project?
What skills and experience will you bring to the programme?
What skills and experience will you bring to the programme?
Want to boost your chances? Join our “Student Innovation Projects – Why Complete One and How to Apply” webinar for insider tips ().
Extra support is also available:
- One-to-one guidance through Ask the Adviser appointments
- If you feel you may require any additional support throughout the programme, please ensure you include this in the ‘Adjustments’ section of the application form.
Innovation Challenge
How will the Innovation Challenge benefit you?
These projects are an incredible opportunity to tackle real business challenges, expand your professional network, and level up your skills. You’ll develop abilities that employers value, including:
- Confidence
- Time management
- Report writing
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Market research
- Presentation skills
- Commercial Awareness
Eligiblity for the Innovation Challenge
The Innovation Challenge is an exclusive opportunity for University of Southampton students! Students from any degree discipline can apply — just make sure it fits around your academic workload.
Important: Selection is competitive. Not everyone will be successful, as we carefully consider the quality of your application, including how well you answer the questions, attention to detail, and accuracy.
We also aim to build dynamic, interdisciplinary teams, mixing skillsets, degree subjects, year groups, and nationalities to create the most engaging and meaningful experience for both students and clients.
What is an Innovation Challenge?
The Innovation Challenge is an intensive, four-day project where you’ll team up with 3–5 students to tackle a real business challenge from top employers. Collaborate, brainstorm, and develop your research, communication, and presentation skills as you deliver creative solutions that could make a real impact.
Open to students from any degree discipline, the Challenge runs every summer and Easter, with the chance to win a prize money along the way!
For full details, please see the.
What will your participation in the challenge involve?
Your Innovation Challenge experience will be fast-paced, hands-on, and full of opportunities to shine:
- Kick-off training: Complete a mandatory training session and meet the Work Experience Team before the challenge begins
- Team assignment: Meet your small group and start collaborating
- Client briefing: Discuss the business challenge and understand their needs
- Full support: Guidance available from both your client and Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise
- Three days of active teamwork: Every member contributes to tackling the challenge and developing innovative solutions
- Business report: Submit a concise overview of your creative solutions
- Presentation day: On day four, present your ideas to your client, the Careers team, and other teams across the University
- Prizes: Teams will be ranked 1st, 2nd, or 3rd based on creativity and presentation
Duration & commitment: Four full days of immersive, in-person work — from client meetings to team sessions and your final presentation. Every participant is expected to give their full commitment and energy!
How to apply for Innovation Challenges
Getting started is simple! You can .
As part of your application, you’ll answer two key questions:
Why would you like to participate in a Student Innovation Project?
What skills and experience will you bring to the programme?
What skills and experience will you bring to the programme?
If successful after your written you application, you will be invited an assessment centre.
Extra support is also available:
- One-to-one guidance through Ask the Adviser appointments
- If you feel you may require any additional support throughout the programme, please ensure you include this in the ‘Adjustments’ section of the application form.