Innovate for Nuclear UK Competition: Empowering the Next Generation of Nuclear Innovators

Past Successes

In the 2024 competition, a team of MSc students from the University of Bristol won the UK final with their concept of mobile nuclear microreactors designed for deployment in the aftermath of natural disasters. Their innovative approach demonstrated the potential of nuclear technology in addressing global challenges and advancing sustainable development goals. Following their national victory, the team represented the UK at the European finals in Sofia, Bulgaria. MSc Students Win UK Finale for Innovation for Nuclear Competition – South West Nuclear Hub

2025 Competition

The 2025 edition of I4N UK focuses on the theme of “Economic Development,” encouraging participants to explore how nuclear technology can contribute to economic growth and sustainability. Teams of up to four members were tasked with developing and presenting their ideas to a panel of expert judges from across the nuclear industry.

The UK national final took place on the 24^th of April, hosted by Arup, Manchester and sponsored by Rolls Royce, with the winning team earning the opportunity to represent the UK at the I4N-Europe regional final at the European Nuclear Young Generation Forum (ENYGF) in Zagreb, Croatia, June 2025. Subsequently, the European winner will advance to the International Youth Nuclear Congress (IYNC) I4N Global Final in Avignon, France (2026).

The UK final was a hugely successful event with a record number of attendees. Four teams were shortlisted from a record 20 applications, presented their innovative ideas from bio fungal remediation of nuclear waste to nuclear-powered desalination vessels. Guest speakers included Tony Burnett (Cavendish Nuclear), Sophie Whitehead (Arup) and Omal Jayawardena (Sellafield Ltd). The event featured a panel session featuring our judging panel of:

• Ann-Marie Cowperthwaite- Associate Director (Arup)
• Gideon York- Head of Organisational Learning (Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR))
• Mike Martin- Engineering Fellow in Nuclear Structural Integrity (Rolls Royce)
• Gary Bolton- Senior Technical Advisor (National Innovation and Research Office (NIRO))

The calibre of presentations was incredibly high with the judging panel commenting on the quality displayed by all 4 teams.  This year’s competition was won by Ellis Matthews, Sam Kitchen and James Guard (Assystem), presenting on a Nuclear-Powered Desalination Vessel: Providing sustainable potable water to deprived and disaster affected regions. Team UK now look forward to the ENYGF where they will look to qualify for the global final.

Conclusion

Competitions like I4N UK play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of leaders in the nuclear industry. By encouraging young professionals to think creatively about the applications of nuclear technology, the competition contributes to the development of solutions that can drive economic growth, enhance sustainability, and address global energy challenges. Furthermore, the opportunity to compete on an international stage provides participants with valuable exposure and the chance to collaborate with peers and experts from around the world. The Innovate for Nuclear UK competition exemplifies the power of innovation and collaboration in shaping the future of the nuclear industry. By empowering young minds to explore and develop novel applications of nuclear technology, the competition not only contributes to the advancement of the sector but also plays a pivotal role in addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time.