About the competition
Built to take young ideas seriously.
School Summit Innovator is a serious national competition designed for students aged 15–19. We give young people a credible stage, a clear path to recognition, and direct lines to the sponsors, universities and employers most interested in what they will do next.
Our mission
To inspire innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship in young people — and to make it easy for the outside world to find, support and back the talent emerging from schools today.
Where we operate
We launch across Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales — and are built from day one to expand to Europe, South Africa, the US, China, Hong Kong, Australia, Mauritius and beyond.
Part of School Summit
Innovator is a standalone product in the School Summit family, designed to connect over time with School Summit Connect, School Summit Events, BellTime Magazine and the School Summit Marketplace.
How students benefit
Recognition. A serious portfolio piece. Mentor and judge feedback. Visibility to universities and employers. And for finalists, a place in the national Hall of Fame.
Founding team
The people building this.
Founder, Programme Director, Head of Schools and Head of Partnerships — announced with the founding cohort. Want to be part of the team?
Get in touch →Advisory board
Independent guidance.
Educators, sector leaders and senior figures from industry, higher education and the public sector. Six confirmed seats, announced individually.
Advisory enquiries →Patrons & ambassadors
Public figures backing the programme.
Patrons and ambassadors lend their name and time to the programme. Each is announced individually as they confirm.
Become a patron →Designated safeguarding lead
Safeguarding office
Every cycle has a named designated safeguarding lead, responsible for all safeguarding matters across the programme. Available to parents, teachers, schools and partners on request — the lead for the 2026 cycle is announced with the founding cohort.
Partners & endorsers
Backed by the people who matter.
Sponsors, university partners, media partners and endorsing organisations announced individually in the run-up to launch.
Interested in being on this wall? See the sponsor prospectus or talk to the team.