The next generation of environmental innovators took centre stage as the winners of Challenge for Change were crowned.
Winners were crowned at the Grand Final hosted at the Games Global Head Office.
Launched in April 2025 and supported by a three-year funding commitment from Games Global, the programme was developed in partnership with Junior Achievement Isle of Man.
Its aim is to equip Year 9 students with the tools to tackle real-world environmental issues, empowering them to become future leaders in sustainability.
Environmental Future
Over the past three months, students across every secondary school on the island have participated in a one-day workshop, where they worked in teams to design innovative solutions to one of four environmental challenges: food waste, fast fashion, energy conservation, or littering.
Each team developed a new product idea or advertising campaign with the support of trained volunteers and presented their ideas in a class-wide pitch.
Finalists from each school competed this week in the Grand Final for the title of overall champions.
Winning Teens
Students from Ballakermeen High School were announced as the winners for their World 1 Waste Zero project, an initiative that harnesses AI and smart algorithms to develop intelligent sockets designed to reduce energy consumption.
Reflecting on their experience, Moamen, Tommy, Keaira, and Phoebe from Ballakermeen High School, shared that the most valuable lesson they took away from Challenge for Change was the importance of being open to new ideas and perspectives.
They especially enjoyed collaborating with peers they wouldn’t typically work with, contributing to environmental sustainability, and building confidence in their public speaking skills.
With the success of this first year, Challenge for Change is set to return in 2026, further cementing its place as a flagship educational initiative on the island.
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