A North East university has launched a national artificial intelligence challenge in a bid to give young people a voice in shaping the technology of tomorrow.
The Hopeful Futures AI Challenge, launched by Northumbria University, invites 11-16-year-olds across the UK to imagine life in 2050 and consider how AI could create a better world.
Participants are asked to create a travel brochure, video, blog or social media campaign for the "Global Future Tourism Board" describing what a positive, AI-enabled future could look like.
Entries should focus on one of three themes: environmental futures, the future of learning and healthcare.
Pam Briggs, professor at Northumbria University and project lead, said: "Young people are growing up in a world where AI is increasingly shaping their education, healthcare, entertainment, and future careers, yet they're rarely asked what they want that future to look like.
"This challenge is about flipping that script and saying: your voice matters, your imagination matters, and we want to hear your hopes for how AI can make the world better."
Professor Briggs said: "By focusing on real-world scenarios such as climate change and mental health and wellbeing, we're empowering young people to think critically and creatively about the role AI can play in solving the challenges that matter most to them and their generation."
The challenge is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and forms part of Northumbria’s wider focus on citizen-centred artificial intelligence.
The university’s CCAI centre is working to develop AI systems that are fair, transparent and beneficial to ordinary people by involving them in the design process.
It includes a Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) for PhD students and a Centre for Responsible AI focused on technology that benefits society in areas like health, education, and public services.
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The challenge is open to schools and youth organisations, who can register now with entries due by Friday, February 13, 2026.
Registered teams will receive resources to help develop their ideas.
Northumbria University will curate submissions for display in both virtual and physical exhibitions across the North East, including a pop-up travel agency experience.
