Crick Innovation Challenge 2026
The 6th edition of the Crick Innovation Challenge is back! 🚀
The Crick Innovation Challenge is a dynamic week-long hackathon-style programme bringing together early-career researchers passionate about innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of science.
Taking place from 27th–31st July 2026 at the Francis Crick Institute in London, the programme welcomes MSc students, PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, clinicians, engineers, and scientific staff from across the UK.
We encourage people from outside the Golden Triangle to apply, as we can provide travel bursaries.
No previous startup experience, business idea, or team is required — just curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm to collaborate.
Throughout the week, participants will:
Join multidisciplinary teams to tackle frontier scientific and planetary challenges
Take part in ideation workshops, expert-led panels, and venture-building sessions
Learn practical skills in pitching, intellectual property, entrepreneurship, and innovation
Receive mentorship and feedback from leaders across academia, biotech, venture capital, and industry
Build lasting connections with like-minded innovators
Our goal is for every participant to leave inspired, empowered, and better equipped to translate scientific ideas into real-world impact 🌟
2026 Challenge Areas
🧬 AI for Scientific Research: The Next Frontier of Discovery
AI is rapidly transforming how science is conducted — from interpreting complex biological data to designing experiments and accelerating discovery. This challenge explores how AI can become an active collaborator in the scientific process and reshape the future of research.
🌍 Planetary Bioengineering: Engineering Ecosystems at Scale
Synthetic biology and bioengineering are opening new possibilities to work with nature at planetary scale — from carbon capture and nitrogen fixation to engineered ecosystems designed for a changing climate. This challenge focuses on bold solutions at the intersection of biology, sustainability, and climate innovation.
🧠 Expanding Human Potential: Redefining the Limits of Biology
Advances in neuroscience, regenerative medicine, longevity science, and brain-computer interfaces are pushing the boundaries of human biology. This challenge explores technologies that could reshape ageing, cognition, sensory restoration, and human enhancement.
Registration open until 30th June!
📅 Dates: 27th–31st July 2026
📍 Location: Francis Crick Institute, London
💸 Cost: Free to attend (travel bursaries available)