On 19th March 2026, the Ecopreneurs Finals brought together education providers, employers and community partners to celebrate student-led sustainability innovation across Greater Lincolnshire.
Building on the success of the in‑school semi‑finals, the event marked the conclusion of a region‑wide enterprise programme designed to connect careers education with real‑world challenges.
Led by the Greater Lincolnshire Careers Hub, under the coordination of the Enterprise Coordinator Hayley Beardmore and delivered in partnership with Enterprise Adviser Jay Blackburn and the team at University Campus North Lincolnshire (UCNL), the programme used The Careers & Enterprise Company’s Equalex framework to replicate an authentic workplace innovation challenge.
More than 500 Year 9 students, including SEND learners, took part across the programme, with 16 finalist teams representing nine schools and colleges: Baysgarth School, Engineering UTC Northern Lincolnshire, Options School, Winterton Community Academy, Outwood Academy Brumby, Outwood Academy Foxhills, South Axholme Academy, Sir John Nelthorpe School and Linkage College.
From Classroom Challenges to Boardroom Pitches
Throughout the programme and semi‑final stages, students developed micro‑business ideas aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, tackling issues such as clean water, sustainable communitiesand responsible consumption. At the finals, teams pitched their concepts to a distinguished judging panel including Rob Waltham MBE, Lisa Vickers (DEFRA), Ranya Shields (Regeneros) and Michaela Sams (The Business Hive).
The event opened with an inspiring address from Clive Wilson FRSA, Chair of the United Nations Association Greater Lincolnshire, setting the tone for a day of ambition, global thinking and sustainability-focused innovation.
"This energetic event enabled students to showcase their new thinking and action on sustainable development and lifted their eyes to see a better future for all. Great news for North Lincolnshire!"
Clive Wilson FRSA, Chair of the United Nations Association Greater Lincolnshire
Employer engagement continued throughout the day, with students hosting exhibition stands where local businesses could explore ideas, offer feedback and share career insights.
Impact for Students and Employers
In the short term, students developed confidence, teamwork and problem‑solving skills while gaining direct exposure to employer expectations. Longer term, the programme strengthened career readiness, sustainability awareness and enterprise capability, while building lasting relationships between schools and local industry.
"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 Ecopreneurs, we’re excited to continue building on this success and aim to double participation."
Jay Blackburn, Team Leader for Business and Management at UCNL
The Ecopreneurs Finals demonstrated the value of collaboration between education, employers and public-sector partners in shaping future talent and supporting sustainable growth across Greater Lincolnshire.
By connecting young people with real‑world challenges and employer insight, the programme is helping to build the skills, confidence and ambition needed for the region’s future workforce.
Save the date: Ecopreneurs Finals return on Wednesday 17 March 2027!