Event Details

Ready to take on the Challenge? ECOChallenge 2025

Join a 48-hour journey of innovation, collaboration, and impact to tackle global challenges.

Friday 28 February - Sunday 2 March 2025 in the Management School, Lancaster University.



Join students, sustainability experts, and innovation mentors in an exciting, action-packed, 48-hour journey to tackle global challenges and make a difference.

This isn’t just any challenge—it’s an immersive experience that will sharpen your skills, connect you with like-minded peers, and ignite your passion for innovation and sustainability.

Your Journey

Across this 48-hour challenge, you can expect to:

Collaborate and Innovate: Work with students in your college and receive guidance from sustainability and innovation experts from across the University

Form Ideas: Identify a real-world sustainability problem that matters to you.

Develop Solutions: Leverage design thinking and problem-solving techniques used by leading organizations like Google and Meta to build and refine your ideas, aligning them with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Pitch Your Idea: Present your solution to a panel of prestigious judges.

Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or just passionate about sustainability, ECOChallenge is for everyone.

What's in it for you?

Belonging & Community: Be part of a vibrant community, and build friendships with like-minded people

Skill Development: Sharpen skills in leadership, innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and sustainability. Strengthen your ability to create practical, grassroots-level SDG solutions while participating in a dynamic, hands-on experience.

Career Development: Gain recognition, new skills, and expand your professional network of contacts.

Impact and Rewards: Gain 15 Lancaster Award points and an official participation certificate to boost your CV with demonstrable experience in sustainability, innovation, and teamwork, enhancing your career prospects.

Keep the momentum going! Post-challenge support from Work In Progress will help you bring your idea to life.

And yes, there’s £100 in prize money for the winning team!

Event Schedule*

Friday, 28th February

📍 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM | LUMS Breakout Spaces 2 & 3

• Kickstart your journey by identifying key sustainability challenges impacting our University.
• Collaborate with your peers to brainstorm innovative solutions.
• Network with fellow participants and connect with mentors and experts.

Saturday, 1st March

📍 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | LUMS Breakout Spaces 2 & 3

• Dive into your chosen idea and refine it using cutting-edge innovation tools.
• Gain valuable insights and guidance from sustainability and innovation mentors.
• Develop a prototype to bring your vision to life.
• Craft and rehearse a compelling presentation to showcase your solution.

Sunday, 2nd March

📍 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | All spaces (LUMS LT 15, LT 18, Breakout Spaces 2 & 3)

• Step into the spotlight and pitch your idea to an esteemed panel of judges.
• Share your solution with fellow competitors and celebrate your progress.

*Note: The schedule and timings may be subject to slight changes prior to the event. Refreshments will be provided at multiple points throughout the event including tea, coffee, and snacks. Please bring your own packed lunch on Saturday and Sunday, along with any snacks. We recommend bringing a reusable cup for hot drinks.