Heathrow Early Careers Innovation Competition is now closed!
Heathrow has submitted shovel-ready proposals for a fully privately financed third runway, with the potential for flights to take off within the next decade. With the right government policies in place, the airport is positioning itself to play a central role in supporting the UK’s national mission for economic growth.
To help deliver this expansion and uncover innovative solutions, New Civil Engineer in partnership with Heathrow is excited to launch an early careers competition, to encourage the next generation of engineers, contractors and suppliers to push the boundaries of design and delivery of aviation infrastructure and assets.
This new national initiative aims to shine a spotlight on emerging talent in aviation engineering and construction, inviting early career professionals to submit their ideas that could dramatically improve the delivery of construction and engineering for airports.
Heathrow are looking for innovations from supply chain organisations that improve:
- Project and programme delivery
- Enhanced productivity
- Cost savings
- Sustainability
Shortlisted teams announced
Five teams have now been shortlisted to take part in the 2026 challenge. Each team will work on a different idea and be supported by a mentor from Heathrow to drive the innovation as far as possible while remaining feasible.
Teams will now move into the next rounds of developing their ideas further:
- Launch workshop to meet their mentors – 25 March 2026
- Mentor meetings via committee – Teams will be invited to catch up meetings with their mentors during preparation for their final presentations
- NCE Airports final presentation to judges – 19 May 2026
Why take part?
Pitch your ideas to industry leading judges and expand your professional network
Learn from sector experts and gain valuable mentorship
Get featured in New Civil Engineer magazine as a shortlisted entrant and winning team
Receive complimentary access to NCE conferences in 2026
Enhance your CV with experience that stands out
Win industry recognition by working alongside a world leading industry client
Who can enter?
Civil engineering apprentices or graduates from supply chain organisations with no more than 5 years of experience in the aviation sector
Who the challenge is available for?
The challenge will only be available for individuals working in the UK from Heathrow’s preferred supply chain and wider engineering and construction firms that work in the aviation sector and not Heathrow employees.
Mentors
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