b'6|IET Futures Fund55% more studentsUKRI-IET partnership:IET Faraday Challenge Day programmesaid theyd consider studyingconnecting research to educationor working in engineering after taking part. ThatsThe partnership between UKRIs Faraday Battery Challenge and the thousands ofIET Faraday Challenge Day programme in 2024-2025 created a direct young people who now seebridge between cutting-edge research and classroom learning.engineering The 2024-2025 academic year has been our biggest yet, and the resultsdifferentlynot UKRIs Faraday Battery Challenge is a Students didnt just learn about speak for themselves. Working with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)sas something610 million commitment to buildingbatteriesthey understood why battery Faraday Battery Challenge, weve reached more students than ever beforedistant or difficult,the UKs battery technology industry. Bytechnology is crucial for net-zero targets, but as creative,partnering, we are jointly building theelectric vehicles and energy storage. while making a real difference to how young people see engineering careers. collaborative, andpipeline of young engineers needed toThey saw how their problem-solving skills directly connecteddeliver this exciting programme of work.could contribute to national priorities We delivered 310 events across the UK, engaging 10,188 students from 740 schools in hands-on batteryto solving thelike climate change and industrial technology challenges. What makes this particularly meaningful is that 35% of participating schools were classifiedchallenges thatBy connecting our establishedcompetitiveness. While the programme as hard-to-reach, including rural schools and those with high levels of disadvantage. We also welcomed two SENDmatter to them. educational programme with UKRIsshowcased the innate creativity that schools and a home-educated team, showing that engineering truly is for everyone. real-world research priorities, we gaveunderpins good engineering.students an authentic challenge that The 1,749 teams that took part didnt just build prototypesthey experienced what its really like to be anused simplified versions of the same engineer, working under pressure to solve real-world problems. problems that research teams and companies are tackling with millionsof pounds of funding.eventsheldacrossstudents engaged from the UK 740 schools Its been incredibly inspiring to see the creativity, teamwork and engineering skills demonstrated by these young minds. The IET Faraday Challenge not only highlights the talent we have across the UK, but also shows how early engagement with STEM can ignite a lifelong passion. Congratulations to the winning team from Redland 55 % 1,749 Green Schooltheir innovative approach and enthusiasm for problem solving truly more studentsimpressed us. At UKRI, were proud to support initiatives like this that help shape would considerthe engineers and innovators of tomorrow.studying teamsor working in engineering experienced what its reallyafter taking part like to be an engineer Ben Walsh,Deputy Director, Faraday Battery Challenge, Innovate UK'