Shetland Innovation Challenge Day

This one-day event bringing together people from across the islands to collaborate, experiment, and develop creative solutions to real challenges through innovation and teamwork.

The Shetland Innovation Challenge Day is an exciting, hands-on event that brings together people from across the islands to share ideas, explore fresh thinking, and collaborate on solutions to real challenges facing our community.

During the event, participants will form diverse teams - mixing local businesses, students, creatives, community groups, and public sector partners. With guidance from experienced mentors, you’ll use innovation tools and creative problem-solving techniques to turn challenges into opportunities.

Why take part?

• Collaborate with people from different backgrounds.
• Experiment with new ways of thinking and working.
• Create solutions to challenges that matter in Shetland.
• Showcase your ideas to mentors, judges, and peers.
• Learn practical innovation methods you can use long after the event.

Who is it for?

The Challenge Day is open to anyone with energy and imagination - whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, community member, or professional. You don’t need innovation experience, just a willingness to get involved.

How can you get involved?

• Join as a participant and contribute your skills and ideas.
• Submit a challenge your organisation or community is facing.
• Support as a mentor or judge and help guide teams.
• Sponsor or partner to help us make the event a success.

Be part of it

This is your chance to collaborate, create, and innovate in Shetland. Places are limited, so secure your spot today.

Project sponsors

Together, they deliver tailored work-based learning, entrepreneurship pathways, and innovation-commercialisation grants to spark sustainable economic growth. By combining each institution’s strengths, TalEntEd ensures island communities have the skills, knowledge, and technology to thrive for generations to come.