About the Programme:
The Global Challenge Lab (GCL) 2026 is a high-intensity innovation sprint designed to spark cross-cultural collaboration and entrepreneurial thinking. This year, we are bringing together hundreds of students and offer holders from our hubs and partner institutions to tackle the world’s most pressing issues using the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as our roadmap.
Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a technical wizard, or a creative problem-solver, GCL 2026 offers you the platform to build a startup idea from scratch, mentored by global industry experts.
The 2026 Innovation Tracks:
Participants will choose one of four technical tracks to focus their innovation:
- Climate & Sustainability: Build a resilient future through renewable energy, circular economies, and green finance.
- Health & Technology: Harness AI and digital tools to transform healthcare access and global patient outcomes.
- Space, Security & Connectivity: Create a safer world through satellite tech, cybersecurity, and digital trust.
- Smart Cities & Urban Futures: Design inclusive, intelligent cities that thrive under the pressure of rapid urbanization.
The Participant Journey
- Register & Choose Your Track: Secure your spot by July 10th. Select the track that aligns with your skills or passion.
- Onboarding & Slack (June 15th): Our official Slack workspace opens on June 15th. This is the heart of the program, use it to meet other participants and access program resources. You will also receive a toolkit and handbook to help you understand more about the program as part of your acceptance email.
- Form Your Team (3-6 Members): All participants must be part of a team of 3-6 members. Teams must represent at least two different faculties within participating universities (e.g., Engineering & Business School). Additionally, we strongly encourage diversity by having team members from different universities whenever possible to foster global, interdisciplinary innovation. You can register solo, but you must find a team via our Slack platform (opening June 15th), our Zoom networking sessions (4 sessions prior to the kick off date), or through random allocation by the organizers (if you have not found a team 2 days prior to the kick off date).
- Innovation Sprint (July 14–30): Engage in a 14-day sprint featuring expert mentorship sessions, specialized workshops, and collaborative ideation.
Key Dates & Commitment
- Registration Deadline: July 10th, 2026
- Slack Community Opens: June 15th, 2026 (Get a head start on networking and team formation!)
- Programme Dates: July 14th – July 30th, 2026
- Time Commitment: Minimum of 2 hours per day during the 14-day sprint.
Why Participate?
- Global Networking: Form a team with students from different countries and disciplines.
- Expert Mentorship: Get direct feedback from professionals in tech, business, and sustainability.
- Skill Building: Master Design Thinking, lean startup methodology, and cross-cultural communication.
- Win Prizes: Compete for a share of the prize pool to help take your idea to the next level.
- Official Recognition: Earn a certificate from Imperial College London and Futurize upon completion.
How to Apply
- Select your Ticket: Choose the ticket that matches your status (ICL Current Student, Imperial Offer Holder from any university, or Partner University Participant).
- Complete the Form: Answer all mandatory questions (marked with an asterisk*).
- Check your Email: Once registered, keep an eye on your inbox for your onboarding pack and your invitation to the Slack workspace.
Are you ready to innovate for the future? Secure your spot today!
Final Pitch & Awards (July 30): Submit your final solution and pitch to a global panel of judges for a chance to win from the £3000 prize pool.
Terms, Conditions & Eligibility By registering for the Global Challenge Lab 2026, you agree to abide by our official program rules, team formation requirements, and code of conduct. Please note that participation is strictly open to current students and offer holders; alumni are not eligible to participate in this cohort.
Review the full Terms and Conditions here before completing your registration.
Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine (the “College” or “Imperial”) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This privacy notice describes how we collect and use personal information about you during and after your relationship with us, in accordance with the applicable data protection legislation and the College’s Data Protection Policy.
Please find the Imperial College London – Enterprise Division Privacy Notice here.