Recognising the Next Generation at the 2026 #DigiInventors Awards
- May 3
- 3 min read
Updated: May 5
The #DigiInventors Awards Ceremony 2026 was a powerful celebration of creativity, empathy and ambition, recognising young innovators who are already re‑imagining how digital ideas can improve health, wellbeing and care.
Hosted at City of Glasgow College, the evening brought together pupils, educators, families, partners and supporters to celebrate not just winning ideas, but the future potential of Scotland’s digital talent pipeline.
For those unable to attend, the ceremony offered an inspiring snapshot of how early intervention, the right support, and meaningful real‑world challenges can unlock confidence and capability in the next generation.
Delivered by the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI), the #DigiInventors Challenge is a curriculum‑aligned innovation programme that invites young people to develop digital solutions to real‑world health, social care and wellbeing challenges.
Now in its fourth Primary School edition, the programme supports pupils to build essential skills in:
Digital and design thinking
Creativity and problem‑solving
Teamwork, communication and pitching
Early awareness of health, care and technology careers
In 2026 alone, the Primary Challenge engaged over 300 pupils from 122 applications, representing schools from urban, rural and remote communities across Scotland. For educators and industry alike, #DigiInventors represents a practical, scalable way to strengthen the future skills pipeline at a time when digital health and care continues to grow.
From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere was one of excitement and pride. The ceremony was grounded in celebration of pupils’ ideas, teacher support, and the collective effort that brings the Challenge to life.
The programme moved through Special Recognition awards, Runner‑Up teams, and finally the 2026 Primary School Edition Winners, each introduced through engaging project videos that brought pupils’ concepts to life. Across the stage, themes of inclusion, sustainability, accessibility and mental wellbeing shone through.
Winners included:
The Cool Crutch - a sustainable, customisable mobility aid addressing physical impairment
Pulse Pals - a digital wellbeing app supporting anxiety management
Kooldle - an accessible braille‑based reading device for children with vision impairment
The trophies presented at the 2026 #DigiInventors Awards were made by The Workshop Aberfeldy, a social enterprise based in Perthshire.
The image below showcases the people and workshop environment involved in making the trophies. The Workshop Aberfeldy supports individuals who face barriers to employment by providing practical work experience and skills development through production and craft.
Visit their website to learn more
DHI’s Role: Building Skills, Confidence and Futures
At the heart of #DigiInventors is DHI’s mission to strengthen Scotland’s digital health and care ecosystem - not only through technology, but through people.
By intervening early, DHI helps young people see themselves as problem‑solvers, innovators and future contributors to a £700bn+ global sector. The Challenge supports workforce development, inclusion and long‑term economic resilience, while giving educators real‑world, high‑engagement learning experiences.
Importantly, participation in #DigiInventors contributes towards Young STEM Leader Awards, providing formal recognition that builds confidence and supports learners’ future pathways.
Get Involved: Sponsorship and Partnership Opportunities
The success of #DigiInventors is powered by collaboration. For organisations across industry, academia, health, care and education, the programme offers meaningful sponsorship opportunities that align with ESG goals, workforce development and social impact.
Partners can support:
Early skills development and future talent pipelines
Inclusive, curriculum‑aligned education
High‑impact national and international innovation programmes
View the #DigiInventors Sponsorship Brochure to explore how your organisation can get involved as a partner or supporter.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 Awards Ceremony marked another milestone, but it is only the beginning. With growing national and international interest, #DigiInventors continues to expand its reach, impact and ambition.
Applications for future Challenges will open soon, and we encourage educators, schools and partners to be part of it.
Congratulations to all our 2026 #DigiInventors.
Blog written by Olivia Dunbar