AERO 2050: YOUNG MEMBERS INNOVATION COMPETITION.

IMechE's Aerospace Division Young Members Committee is proud to launch the Aero 2050 Challenge: Young Members Innovation Competition. 

This competition supports the Institution’s strategic objective to enable members to promote engineering, inform opinion and stimulate innovation for the benefit of society.

It provides Young Members with a structured opportunity to demonstrate technical excellence, systems thinking and professional communication skills while addressing real-world aerospace challenges.

For full details, including the judging criteria, download the Contestant Guide or see below for an outline.

The Challenge

The competition asks participants to respond to the central question from IMechE's Aerospace Division’s Aero 2050 – Flying More Sustainably Paper:

How can commercial air transport and its supporting infrastructure be reinvented for a future where the required energy is supplied sustainably, without inflicting serious damage to the planet’s environmental health?

Participants are invited to submit innovative ideas addressing one or more of the following focus areas:

• Transformation of fuel energy into propulsive thrust
• Current and future aviation fuel demands and emissions
• Supply and demand of alternative fuels (UK/global
• Distribution of alternative fuels from production to airport
• Cost and economic enablers of sustainable fuels
• Certification of new propulsion systems and fuels
• Workforce knowledge and skills requirements

The idea could address any engineering challenge related to the focus areas, for example:

• Distribution of alternative fuels: How might ground operations at airports be transformed to support sustainable flight (energy use, refuelling, turnaround efficiency)?
• Current and future aviation fuel demands: How could the aerospace sector repurpose existing fleets and infrastructure for a greener transition period?
• Cost and economic enablers of sustainable fuels: How can emerging technologies help airlines operate more efficiently and sustainably?

Prize

The winning individual or team will receive:

• A £200 voucher prize
• Up to £200 reimbursed travel costs to attend an IMechE Aerospace Division event to present the innovative idea

Who Can Apply

This competition is open to all IMechE Young Members, including:

• Affiliate Members (Undergraduates and Apprentices)
• Associate Members
• EngTech, IEng or CEng registrants within the last 10 years

Individual or team submissions are welcome (team entries must nominate a lead contestant).

Submission Format

Entries must be submitted as a video pitch presentation (maximum 8 minutes).

The video should:

• Define the problem being addressed within the context of the challenge
• Present the proposed innovative idea and how it addresses the problem
• Address feasibility, cost considerations and sustainability impact
• Outline a roadmap for implementation

Submissions must include both visuals and audio. Presentations may use slides, demonstrations, models or physical prototypes.

How to Apply

To enter the competition:

• Download the contestant guide (containing judging criteria)
• Complete the Application Form
• For any queries, please contact membernetworks@imeche.org with the subject “AeDYMC Innovation Competition”

Key Dates

• Competition Launch: Monday 24 July 2026
• Application Form and Abstract Deadline: 13 October 2026
• Video Submission Deadline: 29 October 2026
• Winning Announcement: 6 November 2026
• Winner Presentation at IMechE Aerospace Division Event: 27 November 2026