🎤 The Big Pitch 2025–26

Powered by RS & Engineers Without Borders UK

EWB Chapters...

Got a bold event idea?
Need funding to make it happen?
Ready to pitch it live in London?

Welcome to The Big Pitch: a high-energy, high-impact event where student chapters bring their best ideas to life. Whether it’s a sustainability hackathon, a community tech workshop, or a global responsibility event, we want to hear it!

💡 What’s The Big Pitch?

A joint initiative from RS and Engineers Without Borders UK, The Big Pitch gives student chapters the chance to win up to £1,500 to fund their own student-led events. Think Dragon’s Den meets global responsibility - with creativity, collaboration, and real-world impact at the heart.

🏆 What’s Up for Grabs?

• £5,500 total funding pool
• Up to £1,500 per chapter
• Minimum £250 for each finalist
• National recognition + support from RS and EWB UK

📅 Key Dates

• Applications Open: Wednesday 3 September 2025
• Deadline to Apply: Wednesday 24 September 2025
• Finalists Announced: Wednesday 1 October 2025
• Live Finals: Wednesday 22 October 2025, 12–4pm (at least one representative from each submitting chapter must attend the finals in person) Location: Queen Mary University of London

✅ Who Can Apply?

• Active Engineers Without Borders UK Chapters (2025–26)
• One proposal per chapter
• Must be submitted by current committee members or affiliated students

🎯 What Should Your Proposal Include?

• A student-led event (or series) planned for the 2025–26 academic year
  (excluding mid-Feb to early March 2026, due to Chapter Design Challenge)

Format: 

• Written summary (max 500 words) OR Video pitch (max 2 minutes)

Must cover: 

• Event aims, objectives & timeline
• Budget breakdown (essentials, desirables, contingency)
• Link to EWB UK's Competency Compass + global responsibility

👀 What Are Judges Looking For?

• Creativity
• Feasibility
• Smart funding approach
• Strong impact + global responsibility focus
• Impact of funding to Chapter

You can find our scoring criteria here.

📸 Publicity & Impact

Finalists agree to share photos, feedback, and case studies - because your story could inspire the next generation of changemakers!

🚀 Ready to Pitch?

Don’t miss out - applications close 24th September!
           Apply now and take your chapter’s vision to the next level.

Welcome to the RS Student Fund!

Are you a student in the UK with big dreams and innovative ideas but limited resources? Look no further! The RS Student Fund is here to empower you on your journey to success by providing support of up to £1000 for your student-led projects, societies, competitions, sponsorships, events, and more. 

Apply for the RS Student Fund today and let us help you turn your ideas into reality. 

Why Choose Us?

At RS, we are dedicated to building the skills of the next generation of engineers. We understand young engineers' challenges in pursuing their passions and turning their ideas into reality. That's why we offer this fund to support your endeavors and help you thrive in your engineering journey.

How It Works

• Application - Fill out the application form, taking into consideration our selection criteria - good luck!
• Notification - We will let you know our decision within 30 days.
• Agreement - If you have been successful, we will send you our RS Student Fund agreement.
• Social media post - As part of the agreement, we ask you to create a social media post about being awarded and tag us in it. This can be on the platform of your choice.
• Prize unlocked! - You can now order your RS product, and/or request a BACS transfer of funds.
• DesignSpark Article - As part of the agreement, we ask you to create a written piece of content on DesignSpark to share your story with the community.
• Feedback - A feedback form will be sent to you for completion.
• End - The end of our funding agreement.
   

Whether you need RS donated products or cash, we've got you covered. You can use the fund for anything that will help you succeed, from purchasing equipment for your society to funding an engineering event on campus. We are here to support your growth and development as a student engineer.

Entry Criteria

Applications must be made by those:

• 18 and over
• Studying an engineering, technology, design, or innovation-related program 
• Based in the UK 

Please note: Formula Student teams cannot apply for this fund, and have a separate opportunity available. Please email us at YouthCommunity@rs.rsgroup.com 

Selection Criteria 

At RS, we are committed to selecting winners based on a set of criteria that align with our mission of empowering the next generation of engineers. Our selection process focuses on the impact that the funding will have on the recipients and ensuring that the funds are distributed equally and fairly across the UK. Here are the key factors we consider when selecting the winners:

1. Impact of the Funding
2. Innovation and Creativity
3. Feasibility and Sustainability
4. Diversity and Inclusivity
5. Nationwide Reach
6. Potential for Growth and Development

Check out the full selection criteria here.

By assessing applicants based on these criteria, we aim to select winners who not only have the potential to make a positive impact in the field of engineering but also reflect our commitment to fairness, equality, and diversity in supporting student engineers throughout the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

What types of projects or initiatives are eligible for funding?

The fund supports a wide range of initiatives, including student societies, competition teams, projects, sponsorships, events, and any other endeavors related to engineering that are student-led. Formula Student teams are not able to apply for this fund. 

If you are unsure, please email us: YouthCommunity@rs.rsgroup.com 

How much funding can I apply for?

Applicants can apply for funding of up to £1000 to support their projects or initiatives.

Can I choose to receive RS donated products instead of cash?

Yes, applicants have the option to receive RS donated products, cash via BACS transfer, or a mixture of both. 

What criteria are used to select the winners?

Winners are selected based on factors such as the impact of the funding, nationwide reach, innovation, diversity, sustainability, and potential for growth and development. You can read the selection criteria here.

How will the funds be distributed across the UK?

We aim to distribute the funds equally and fairly across different regions of the UK to ensure a broad impact within the engineering community.

Is there a deadline for submitting applications?

There is no deadline, but we will take up to 30 days to inform you of our decision. You can only apply once each academic year. 

Can I apply as an individual or do I need to be part of a group or society?

Both individuals and groups can apply for this Fund. 

Can I use AI to help with my application?

Please refrain from using AI or automated tools to complete your application as doing so may result in disqualification. 

How will I be notified if my application is successful?

Successful applicants will be notified via email within 30 days. 

What is expected of me if I win?

We would like each winner to create 1 social media post (and tag us), and 1 article on DesignSpark to share their story. Guidance will be provided. 

If you have any further questions or need clarification on any aspect of the RS Student Fund, please feel free to reach out to us directly: YouthCommunity@rs.rsgroup.com 

Check out the full competition page here: https://www.rs-online.com/designspark/rs-student-engineer-fund