Innovation Challenge Day: Turning Clean Growth Ideas into Action

Bold ideas need the right environment to thrive. That’s exactly what the Clean Growth Pre-Accelerator Innovation Challenge Day is designed to provide.

Taking place on 9 February 2026 at the University of Suffolk, this fast-paced, full-day innovation sprint brings together founders, researchers, technologists, creatives and business teams to tackle real-world clean growth challenges — and turn early concepts into credible solutions in just one day.

This isn’t a conference. It’s a practical, hands-on experience built for people who want to design, develop and deliver ideas that make a real difference.

What is the Innovation Challenge Day?

Think of the day as both a catalyst and a launchpad for disruptive clean growth innovation. Participants will work in cross-disciplinary teams on live challenge briefs, rapidly generating, testing and refining ideas with support from experienced mentors and industry specialists.

By the end of the day, teams will pitch early-stage solutions to an audience of investors, corporate innovation leads and organisations actively looking for new opportunities.

The challenge themes

You’ll be able to focus your energy on one of several high-impact challenge areas, including:

• Digital & Data – AI, robotics, immersive technologies, satellite communications, 5G and advanced software
• Manufacturing – Automated systems, smart production and cutting-edge processes
• Ports, Logistics & Transport – Smart port systems, sustainable logistics and future mobility
• Clean Energy – Offshore renewables, hydrogen, nuclear, solar and wider low-carbon innovation

Each theme is designed to stretch your thinking, sharpen your problem-solving skills and connect innovation to genuine commercial and societal needs.

Why take part?

Whether you’re developing a new idea or looking to collaborate on emerging challenges, the Innovation Challenge Day offers a unique opportunity to:

• Work alongside people who share your appetite for innovation
• Learn from specialists who know how to move ideas from concept to viability
• Refine your thinking with insight from industry partners, academic networks and experienced entrepreneurs
• Showcase your vision to investors and organisations seeking scalable clean growth solutions

And this is only the beginning.

Progress beyond the day

Up to six high-potential ideas will be selected to receive an innovation support package, including tailored guidance, structured development and access to expert networks.

Selected teams will move into a focused development phase, refining and validating their concepts ahead of a high-profile showcase in May, where they’ll pitch polished solutions to investors, corporates and innovation leaders ready to take ideas forward.

Who can get involved?

To participate fully, teams must have a physical presence within the Freeport East region, covering key areas of Essex and Suffolk.

The day is ideal for:

• Founders and startups
• Researchers and academics
• Scale-ups and established businesses
• Cross-sector teams exploring new opportunities

There are also opportunities to get involved as a Challenge Partner or Sponsor, helping to shape real-world briefs, support the next generation of clean growth innovation, and gain early access to emerging ideas and talent.

Event details

Date: 9 February 2026
Time: 9am – 6pm
Location: University of Suffolk, Atrium Building

If you’re ready to turn ideas into action, collaborate with like-minded innovators and help shape the future of clean growth, this is your moment.

Take Part – Innovation Challenge Day