Northeastern University London’s AI Futures Challenge is a five-day online, industry-connected innovation challenge for Year 12 students. The challenge invited students to solve a real-world business problem using AI while considering business, ethical, technical, and social dimensions. Participants worked individually or in teams to develop and submit a final project in response to a brief set by start-up Lyra AI.

Lyra AI is an innovative start-up on a mission to help organisations understand how AI is really affecting workers. Is AI supporting employees, or creating new challenges? Lyra AI was excited to involve early AI-native generations, who had grown up with these tools in ways most leaders hadn’t. Their perspective helped ensure Lyra Pulse stayed human, honest, and ready for a workforce shaped by AI — one they would soon be part of.

Jason, Co-Founder of Lyra AI, shared the following feedback:
“The standard of these entries was exceptional. Many students moved past simple ‘privacy settings’ and correctly identified that trust is a psychological and power-dynamic problem, not just a technical one. We were blown away by the level of critical thinking and the sophisticated use of AI as a thinking partner.”

More than 1,000 participants took part in the AI Futures Challenge 2026. These credentials recognise participation and outstanding project outcomes, with awards granted across the following categories:

— Overall Winner: Recognised by our industry partner as the standout submission of the challenge. Combining ambition, originality, and real-world thinking, setting the standard for what’s possible.
— Category Winner – Impact: Recognised for addressing a meaningful real-world problem with clear purpose and understanding of who benefits and why.
— Category Winner – Innovation: Recognised for originality and a creative, unexpected approach to the problem or use of AI.
— Category Winner – Collaboration: Recognised for strong teamwork, with clear evidence of shared thinking and complementary contributions.
— Category Winner – Research: Recognised for depth of research, rigour of enquiry, and effective use of evidence in shaping the solution.
— Finalist: Awarded to submissions in the top 20%, reflecting strong quality, creativity, and effort in a competitive field.