2026 #DigiInventors Secondary School Challenge Launches to Inspire the Next Generation of Digital Innovators

New partnerships with South Lanarkshire Council and All In Glasgow Commonwealth Games create exciting opportunities for young people to tackle real-world health and wellbeing challenges through innovation

The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) is delighted to announce the launch of the 2026 #DigiInventors Secondary School Challenge, inviting young people across Scotland and the UAE to develop innovative digital solutions that address real-world health, wellbeing and social care challenges.

Now in its latest edition, #DigiInventors continues to inspire and empower young people aged 8-18 to become the innovators, entrepreneurs and problem-solvers of the future.

The DHI-led programme supports participants in building valuable digital, STEM, design innovation, entrepreneurial, and future workforce skills while tackling issues that matter to them, their families, and communities. The programme has already engaged thousands of young people and schools across Scotland and internationally.

This year's Secondary School Challenge launches with several significant developments that strengthen collaboration between education, innovation, health and community partners.

DHI and South Lanarkshire Council have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reinforcing a shared commitment to innovation, skills development and creating opportunities for young people. The partnership will support efforts to help young people develop future-focused skills and engage with emerging technologies that are shaping the future of health, wellbeing and public services.

The 2026 challenge also welcomes All In Glasgow Commonwealth Games as a new partner. As part of its involvement, All In Glasgow Commonwealth Games has developed one of this year's challenge questions, creating a unique opportunity for young people to explore the connections between sport, technology, sustainability and wellbeing.

The Secondary School Challenge encourages teams of students to identify a challenge, develop a solution and present their ideas through a structured innovation process. Along the way, participants gain access to learning resources, mentoring opportunities and valuable experience in design thinking, entrepreneurship and pitching ideas.

This year, participants can choose from two innovation challenges.

Challenge Question 1: Inspired by Sport, Powered by Innovation

Developed in partnership with All In Glasgow Commonwealth Games, the first challenge asks students to choose one sport from the Commonwealth Youth Games Malta 2027 and use it as inspiration for a sustainable digital solution that improves the mental, social and/or physical wellbeing of young people.

Students can draw inspiration from:

• Athletics and Para Athletics

• Netball

• Sailing

• Squash

• Swimming and Para Swimming

• Triathlon

• Water Polo

• Weightlifting

  
  

Teams will be encouraged to think creatively about how digital technology can improve wellbeing outcomes while exploring the potential of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. Solutions should also consider environmental, social and economic sustainability, support one or more UN Sustainable Development Goals and create a lasting legacy beyond Glasgow 2026.

The challenge reflects the growing role that sport can play in inspiring innovation, encouraging healthier lifestyles and helping young people imagine new ways technology can support wellbeing in their communities.

Challenge Question 2: Solving Health and Wellbeing Challenges

The second challenge gives students the opportunity to identify a health or wellbeing issue affecting themselves, their families, friends or wider community and develop a digital solution to address it.

Potential areas of focus include:

• Health and wellbeing

• Disabilities

• Cardiovascular disease

• Mental health

• Neurological conditions

• Gastrointestinal conditions

• Respiratory conditions

• Addictions

• Access to healthcare in rural, remote and island communities

  
  

The open-ended nature of the challenge enables students to focus on issues they feel passionate about while applying creativity, technology and innovation to generate practical solutions.

As digital health technologies, data-driven services, AI and emerging innovations continue to transform the way health and care services are delivered, programmes such as #DigiInventors provide vital opportunities for young people to engage with the challenges and opportunities shaping the future.

Participants in the Secondary School Challenge will have the opportunity to work on real-world challenges, develop presentation and communication skills, engage with mentors and experts, and gain first-hand experience of innovation and entrepreneurship. The programme helps young people develop confidence, creativity, teamwork and problem-solving skills while increasing awareness of future education and career pathways across health, technology and innovation sectors.

Beyond the classroom, #DigiInventors is helping to strengthen future talent pipelines by encouraging young people from diverse backgrounds to explore opportunities in digital health, wellbeing and innovation. By connecting education, industry, local authorities and community partners, the programme supports broader ambitions around skills development, digital inclusion, innovation and sustainable economic growth.

Grant Reilly, Head of Communications & Marketing at DHI and Programme Lead, said:

“We’re now entering the 10th year of the #DigiInventors Challenge, and the programme continues to go from strength to strength. This year’s Challenge question builds on the excitement and legacy of Glasgow 2026, while encouraging young people to look ahead to the 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games in Malta and think creatively about the role digital innovation can play in health, wellbeing and sport.

Our new MoU with South Lanarkshire Council is another important milestone, recognising the value of the #DigiInventors Challenge in the classroom and the benefits of project-based, real-world learning. By giving young people the opportunity to tackle genuine challenges, develop new skills and bring their ideas to life, we can inspire the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.”

Rhona James, Quality Improvement Manager, Curriculum and Quality Improvement Service, Education Resources, South Lanarkshire Council, said:

"South Lanarkshire Council is delighted to support the #DigiInventors Challenge, providing our young people with an exciting opportunity to tackle real-world challenges through creativity and digital innovation. The programme supports the development of valuable skills including problem-solving, teamwork, confidence and digital literacy, while raising awareness of future STEM and digital career pathways. With the Secondary DigiInventors Challenge launching in August 2026 and the Primary DigiInventors Challenge following in January 2027, there are opportunities for young people across different stages to get involved. We encourage schools across South Lanarkshire to participate in the programme and provide their young people with the opportunity to develop their ideas, skills and creativity through this exciting challenge."

The 2026 #DigiInventors Secondary School Challenge is open to secondary school students and schools across Scotland and the UAE. Teachers will receive access to supporting resources designed to help integrate the challenge into classroom learning while enabling students to explore innovation in a practical and engaging way.

Find out more and register

Schools, teachers and educators interested in taking part in the 2026 #DigiInventors Secondary School Challenge can find out more and register by visiting: https://www.dhi-scotland.com/digiinventors

For enquiries and partnership opportunities, please contact: grant.reilly@dhi-scotland.com