Davidson Inventors Challenge

The Davidson Inventors Challenge is an annual competition for 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.

2026/27 edition

What’s new this year?

Earlier project submission deadline, giving teams more time with mentors to develop ideas
A maximum of two submissions per school, helping promote wider participation and inclusivity
Up to 100 projects will be selected, ensuring every team receives appropriate support
Clearer entry requirements, including team size criteria, to ensure a fair and consistent application process

→ Full schedule

Launch webinar 18 September 2026 – 4pm

Come along to hear more about the competition criteria, application requirements, and what the next steps will be

The Challenge - how it works

To propose a solution to one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) outlined by the United Nations

Task: Each participating team will choose one SDG, research an associated problem, and craft a sustainable, innovative solution.

Team sign-up deadline: 1 November

Timeline

November

Early

Initial project outline submission

November

Middle

Review and feedback from Mentors

January

Start

Initial draft of project submission

January

Late

Review meeting with Mentors

March

Middle

Students submit final project reports

March

Middle

Shortlisted teams confirmation

April

Early

Shortlisted teams announced

April

Late

Final to take place in Department

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.

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 delievered by experts to help you throughout the competition

Is there a winner?

Yes. A winning team will be selected, and offered an exclusive opportunity to sample life at the university, with a visit to our Department. Winners will also be awarded a cash prize and a winning trophy.

Click here to get in touch and find out more.

An opportunity to experience Cambridge and student life

The Davidson Inventors Challenge winning team will join us for a day at our department located in Cambridge West.

The winners will also be rewarded with a cash prize.

Past winners: Celebrating innovation

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.

Detailed timeline:

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 CEB-affiliated mentors, to help guide and shape their ideas.

Each team will also be assigned a mentor to help develop their project.

1 November: Initial project outline to be submitted by participating teams

16 November: Mentors to review initial project outlines and applicants will be notified if their project has been shortlisted

4 January: Initial draft of project to be submitted

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

14 March: Students submit final project reports

8 April: Shortlisted teams confirmed

23 April: Final and awards ceremony (in person and online)Presentations from shortlisted teams with audience including members of the department, graduates, and industry reps, with an e-certificate award by the IChemE President.

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

CEB event series:

Get in touch:

Our Outreach Team organise and run our Davidson Inventor Challenge and can answer any questions.

Davidson Inventors Challenge