The Sustainable Innovation Challenge (SIC) 2026, hosted by UN Academic Impact SDG Hub 12 Vice Chair for Teaching and Education Manchester Metropolitan University, brought together 100 students from four universities to develop solutions to a real-world sustainability challenge. Originally conceived by the University of Liverpool, the SIC now includes participants from Ulster University, Berlin School of Economics and Law (HWR Berlin), and Manchester Metropolitan University. Working in interdisciplinary, cross-institutional teams, students were required to develop innovative solutions to high-profile sustainability challenges. This year, the focus was the development and expansion of Manchester City Football Club's Etihad Campus and the Co-op Live entertainment venue.
Over two intensive days, students explored the challenge through talks and site visits, developed solutions with industry support, and pitched their ideas to stakeholders from Manchester City Football Club, Co-op Live, and the wider Greater Manchester community.
The 2026 challenge centred on the CityLink walking route connecting Manchester City Football Club's Etihad Campus to Manchester City Centre. The route is underdeveloped, with limited signage and low usage despite attracting large numbers of visitors. Improving it could encourage walking, reduce transport-related emissions, and create a safe, accessible link between the campus and city centre.
Participants were encouraged to take a holistic approach to sustainable development aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Manchester City Football Club also sought ideas that would deliver wider social and environmental benefits by celebrating local culture, supporting communities, and showcasing the recovering River Medlock's contribution to biodiversity and flood defence.
One of many highlights was a presentation by Pete Bradshaw, Head of Sustainability at Manchester City Football Club, who outlined how sustainability has been embedded within the campus's design and operation. He explained the club's commitment to supporting East Manchester¡¯s regeneration through investment in local people and facilities, creating positive social and environmental outcomes. Students also learned how developing remediated former industrial land helped regenerate a deprived area while protecting natural environments elsewhere.
The day concluded with every team presenting its solution to a panel of advisors, with four teams selected as finalists. Ideas included community event spaces, renewable energy generation from pedestrian movement, enhanced wayfinding, and initiatives promoting sustainable travel through engaging pre-event experiences.
Communication is a central focus of the SIC. By bringing together students from diverse disciplines in an experiential learning environment, the challenge developed the knowledge and skills needed to create future changemakers capable of embedding sustainable development within their careers.
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