Posted: 31 March 2026
Returning to the University Campus North Lincolnshire for a second year in succession, the Eco-Preneurs 2025-26 Finals Day brought together a wealth of innovation and creativity, from a wide range of schools across the local region.
Competing in proceeding Semi-Final rounds, the competition saw more than over 500 students initially take part, with 16 exceptional teams, comprising of more than 100 Year 9 learners, advancing to the showpiece event.
Combining entrepreneurial flair with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, pupils were tasked with highlighting an aforementioned goal, before subsequently working together to create a business which provided a solution.
The Finals Day itself was of an incredibly high standard, as respective teams showcased their ideas via bespoke stands, ahead of delivering five-minute pitches to an expert judging panel.
That judging panel, which was formed of Councillor Rob Waltham MBE (Leader of North Lincolnshire Council), Lisa Vickers (DEFRA HR Wellbeing Lead), Ranya Shields (Managing Director at Regeneros Ltd), Michaela Sams (Business Advisor) and Clive Wilson (Chair – UNA Greater Lincolnshire), all praised the brainpower committed by each individual student, and the level of innovative thinking on display.
Jay Blackburn, HE Business and Management Team Leader, said: “The impact of this event has been remarkable—not only for the Year 9 participants, but also for the schools, local business leaders who supported the semi‑finals, and the degree‑level students who gained valuable experience mentoring the teams. When we first launched this initiative in 2025, our goal was to nurture an entrepreneurial mindset and show young people that they can achieve anything they set their minds to, with no barriers to what’s possible.
“It was wonderful to hear UCNL lecturers commend the students’ professionalism, engagement, and overall performance. As we look ahead to the third year of Eco-Preneurs, we’re excited to continue building on this success and aim to double participation. A huge thank‑you to all our partners—especially the Careers and Enterprise Company, whose support has been integral to making this event such a success.”
Plans are already in well in motion for the competition’s third instalment, where more sustainable business inspiration will take centre stage.
Award winners
Overall Winners: South Axholme Academy
Innovation Award: Outwood Academy Brumby
Honourable Mention Award: Outwood Academy Foxhills