The Davidson Inventors Challenge 2025

Empowering the next generation of innovators

All UK STEM students on cusp of university applications encouraged to apply

27 August 2024

The Davidson Inventors Challenge is an exciting and impactful competition, inviting Year 11 and 12 students from across schools in the UK to channel their creativity and passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Hosted by the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (CEB), in collaboration with the Association of Science, Technology & Innovation – ASTI and supported by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), this challenge is more than just a competition – it's an opportunity to be part of something bigger.

At the heart of the Davidson Inventors Challenge lies a mission: to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers to create solutions to some of the world's biggest obstacles. Centred on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations, entrants are asked to reflect on the urgent need to address some of the most pressing global challenges, from climate action to clean water and sanitation, and to propose a cost-effective and considered response.

By participating in the Davidson Inventors Challenge, you won’t just be competing – you’ll be learning, growing, and contributing to a global cause. You’ll gain invaluable experience in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, two fields at the forefront of solving today’s most critical issues.

Through this challenge, you’ll develop essential skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork. These are not just skills for the competition – they are skills for life.

Is there a winner?

Yes. A winning team will be selected, and offered an exclusive opportunity to sample life at one of our esteemed Cambridge Colleges.

What next?

Following an initial competition launch webinar in early October – the time and date will be confirmed in team's information packs – teams will have access to bi-monthly webinars between October and January, delivered by expert members of the Institute of Chemical Engineering (IChemE), to help guide and shape their ideas.

Each team will be assigned a 'dedicated' mentor.

Start of December 2024: Initial project outlines to be submitted by participating teams

Mid-December 2024: Mentors to review initial project outlines and submit written feedback to student teams.

January 2025: Initial draft of project to be submitted.

End of January 2025: Mentors to provide further feedback.
An online advisory meeting of teams and mentors to take place by end of January.

28 February 2025: Students submit final project reports.

14 March 2025: Shortlisted teams confirmed.

28 March 2025: Final and awards ceremony.
Presentations from shortlisted teams on Zoom with audience including members of the department, graduates, and industry reps, with an e-certificate award by the IChemE President.

Start of April 2025: Competition wrap-up webinar and chance to ask about careers in chemical engineering and biotechnology with CEB graduates and mentors.

So what are you waiting for?

Get ready to put your chemical engineering and biotechnology skills into action, while developing essential problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.

The final of the 2025 edition will be held on Friday 28 March, 3pm - 5pm, on Teams

Find out more and prepare.

Listen to Davidson Inventors Challenge Chair Kamran Yunus provide more detail about the competition:

STEM Students: What's in it for you?

Learn more about chemical engineering and biotechnology and its role in tackling the biggest global challenges

Develop your problem-solving and critical thinking skills

Have fun working on a team project

Get feedback and support from our mentors and industry experts

Attendance to a series of professional webinars on topics of interest delivered by experts to help you throughout the competition

An opportunity to experience Cambridge and student life

The Davidson Inventors Challenge winning team will be rewarded with an e-voucher for online purchases and have an exclusive opportunity to sample life at one of our esteemed Cambridge Colleges.

The winners will immerse themselves in the Cambridge lifestyle and join us for a day at our department located in Cambridge West.

Past winners: Celebrating innovation

Below is a list of inventions developed and presented by previous winning teams of the Davidson Inventors Challenge:

2024 King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls, Birmingham

Removing 'forever chemicals' from water

Honouring the Legacy of a Pioneer

The Davidson Inventors Challenge is named after Cambridge University Emeritus Professor John Davidson, the founding father of fluidisation.

Launched in 2020, the Davidson Inventors Challenge is a competition and outreach initiative encouraging innovation in STEM. We honour Professor Davidson's legacy each year by inviting students in Years 11 and 12 to research sustainable development goals, select a problem to address, and present an innovative, sustainable solution that can make a positive global impact.