We are absolutely delighted to introduce something new to this year’s Idea of the Year Awards:
It’s a category we’ve never run before, and it’s a personal favourite of ours already. Every year we celebrate the ideas that move organisations forward and Congratulations to those who participated and to those who made it through to the final. This award however is about the people behind those great ideas. Specifically, the early-career innovators who are already showing real curiosity, initiative and impact, and who deserve recognition now, not ten years later.
If you’ve got someone in your organisation who fits that description, someone who challenges the status quo, brings others along with them, and is already making a genuine difference, this is your chance to nominate them for an award.
Here’s what you need to know:
▪ Who’s eligible: Any individual aged 30 or under at the time of submission. One nominee per organisation.
▪ How to enter: Submit against four criteria — Contribution to Innovation, Innovation Behaviours & Mindset, Influence & Collaboration, and Impact on the Organisation (max 1,500 characters each). Full details are in the attached award pack. Submissions are via the Idea of the Year Platform: https://ideasuk.wazoku.com/
▪ Closing date: 5.00pm BST, Friday 18 September 2026.
▪ Top THREE finalists chosen and announced: Thursday 1 October 2026
▪ The prize: Each of the top three finalists will receive a free place to attend this year’s ideasUK conference, Minds or Machines: The Future for Innovation? Taking place on the 11th & 12th November in London, where each will be recognised during the Idea of the Year awards ceremony.
Please note: Travel and accommodation for the successful finalist must be provided by the submitting organisation.
The ideasUK Idea of the Year Competition 2026 celebrates the power of ideas, innovation and impact across our member organisations. Each year, this competition brings to light truly game-changing innovations that are transforming workplaces, driving business success and improving experiences for employees, customers, and communities alike.
This is more than just a competition. It’s a chance to shine a spotlight on the brilliant minds within your organisation. By recognising the individuals behind these impactful ideas, you not only boost morale and increase employee engagement but also reinforce a culture of innovation that empowers everyone to think boldly and contribute meaningfully.
The very act of entering this competition sends a powerful message: we value innovation, and we value our people. That’s a message that resonates far beyond internal teams, it strengthens your employer brand, builds trust, and inspires future engagement.
For 2025 the overall IDEA OF THE YEAR WINNER was Al Ain City Municipality for Smart Municipal System for Spatial Change Detection and Urban Planning
The Al Ain City Municipality has introduced an intelligent system to monitor geospatial assets and urban features using drones, the “Smart Eye” vehicle, and satellite imagery, all integrated with the Al Ain Geo AI platform. The system automatically detects and records changes, reducing time, cost, and manpower by replacing manual field surveys with smart, office-based monitoring. Even non-GIS users can easily identify updates and take quick action. By combining diverse imagery with real-time AI, it delivers accurate, citywide insights from the desktop, supporting faster decisions and smarter urban planning. Watch a short video explaining this great idea: https://youtu.be/Gtc3lBcVgnw
2025 IDEA OF THE YEAR – CATEGORY WINNERS
Continuous Improvement: Al Ain City Municipality – Smart Municipal System for Urban Planning
Customer Focus: Dubai Customs – AL MUNASIQ
Design: ADNOC L&S – Optimization of Vessel Deck Space with CCUs Double Stacking Arrangement
Health & Safety: Fujairah Police General Headquarters – SAHM VEHICLE
Innovation: Dubai Roads and Transport Authority – Commercial Vehicle Platform, LOGISTY
People & Well-Being: AD Ports Group – Junior Captain Programme
Sustainability: Sharjah Police Headquarters – Sustainable Disposal of Military Assets
AI, Digital & Technology: AD Ports Group – SAFEEN GREEN
Value for Money: ADNOC L&S – Refurbishment of webbing slings for continued use
2025 JUDGES SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Greater Anglia – Smooth Transition During Disruption
Dubai Digital – Smart Employee
Ajman Municipality & Planning Department – FAREEJAK 2030
RECOGNISE AND REWARD THE PEOPLE WHO SUBMITTED IDEAS
INCREASE EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT AND DRIVE A CULTURE OF INNOVATION
ACKNOWLEDGE EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS BUSINESS SUCCESS
BOOST YOUR ORGANISATION PROFILE
OPEN NEW COLLABORATIVE OPPORTUNITIES
16th March 2026 – Idea of the Year Competition open. Up to 10 ideas per company may be submitted to the competition website ideasUK – Idea Spotlight.
3rd July 2026 – Competition closes – no more ideas may be submitted.
6th – 31st July 2026 – Judging of written submissions.
w/c 3rd August 2026 – Category Finalists announced – all finalists invited to attend face to face judging
August – October 2026 – Finalists invited to provide 60 second video summarising their idea
11th – 12th November 2026 – Face to Face Judging for Finalists and Idea of the Year Competition winners announced
