Event Description

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Climate shifts. Developing technology. Medical advancements. Changing communities. The Northern Ireland of 2050 will look different to the one we know today and the young people in your classroom will be the ones shaping it.

The Future Focus Schools Challenge, delivered by Nerve Centre, MATRIX NI and Northern Ireland Science Festival, asks school teams from Key Stage 2 and 3 to step into that future: spot a problem NI might face, and design an app, product, service or invention to help solve it.

As well as building collaborative and creative thinking, your teams will be in for a chance to attend a showcase and awards event at the Nerve Centre on Thursday 26 November, and win prizes for your school! Just share your innovative creations with us by Friday 6 November 2026.

Start today with 3 simple steps:

1. Watch our Webinar

Bring your class to Dr Ryan McFadden’s recorded webinar to learn more about the project and get the inspiration flowing.

• Get started today

2.  Choose Your Future Focus Theme

Which of 2050’s research areas will your young scientists tackle?

• 🌱 Clean and Green
• 💚 Health and Wellbeing
• 🔗 Joined Up and Connected
• 🛡️ Safe, Protected and Secure
• 🤝 Inclusive and Shared Value

3. Create Your Video

Teams can bring their ideas to life however suits them best — sketches, models, LEGO, digital designs or other creative materials. Then it’s time to submit a two-minute video explaining:

• The problem, and who it affects
• Their proposed solution
• How it works
• Why it would make a difference

4. Sign Up and Share Your Solutions

And remember entries close on Friday 6 November 2026.

Get your class together, switch on your imaginations and prepare to invent a better future!

Want to know more? Hear from our ambassador Dr Ryan McFadden of Ulster University on how to get involved.