Young Londoners go head-to-head to develop real-world solutions to climate change!
Sustain-a-cast crowned Sustainable London Champions 2025 🏆
Students from six boroughs - Barnet, Greenwich, Hillingdon, Lambeth, Southwark and Westminster - have gone head to head as part of a competitive STEM programme, Sustainable London, to develop innovative, sustainable solutions to real-world climate challenges through the lenses of Fashion, Transport, Health & Life Sciences, and Consumer Health.
Competition finalists have previously competed within their schools and at borough level, with the winning groups representing their boroughs at the London Multi-Borough Grand Finale that took place on Monday, 7th July at NatWest, 250 Bishopsgate.
The Grand Finale of the competition, which has reached over 2, 500 young people and is run by Motivez, saw groups present their final solutions, considering key areas such as innovative technologies, the practicality of design, an understanding of sustainability principles, and consumer safety. The winning team was Sustain-a-cast, from Ark Evelyn Grace Academy (Lambeth). They explored medical casts and proposed eco-friendly alternatives made from biodegradable or recyclable materials.
Second was Thrift Cycle, from St Mary’s Magadelene C of E (Greenwich) and in third Motivatorz from Harris Academy Bermondsey (Southwark).
Personal care brand Kenvue was also recognised with the 'Newcomer Partner of the Year Award' for their invaluable support throughout the 2025 challenge. More details here.
With the incredible support of mentors, funders, and more than 10 partners, including the Mayor of London, Royal Academy of Engineering, Govia Thameslink Railway and
Spectris Foundation, the Grand Finale is more than just a competition - it’s a celebration of creativity, climate consciousness and the future of STEM leadership.
Motivez, an award-winning social enterprise, launched The Sustainable London competition, following the tragic passing of nine-year-old Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, the first person in UK history to have their cause of death linked to air pollution.
The competition brings together students across London to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders and ultimately spark solutions to address the biggest challenges facing the world. Motivez are now expanding their flagship programme outside London (learn more on their partnership with UK Power Networks here). If you are interested in learning more, please email partnerships@motivez.co.uk.
Motivez have supported over 13, 500 young people aged 14 to 25 from underrepresented backgrounds through wider grassroots and employability programmes across the UK. In addition to boosting local students’ early interest in STEM careers, the Sustainable London programme also creates meaningful opportunities to meet and network with top employers in this field.
George Imafidon, CEO & Co-Founder at Motivez, said: “The Mayor of London’s support of the flagship Sustainable London programme is a bold commitment to driving local change and equity in STEM. Through the collaboration with Motivez and over 10 employers, we are empowering thousands of Year 10 students on a local and city-wide level, building on the success of our previous editions.
The creativity, sustainability, and entrepreneurial thinking shown by these students, with guidance from our corporate mentors, demonstrates the power of opportunity and collaboration. These students are not just talking about more sustainable solutions across fashion, transport or healthcare; they are designing them. Together, we are laying the foundation for an empowered STEM workforce that truly reflects the society it serves.”
Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, said: “Motivez’s Sustainable London Programme is an excellent way to engage young Londoners on the important issue of climate change. It was really inspiring to see the students create sustainable, green solutions based on the climate issues they saw in their local area. Tackling climate change is a top priority for the Mayor and I, and we’re delighted to see such passionate, enterprising young people leading the way as we build a better, greener and fairer city for everyone.”
Judging Panel quotes:
Alec Brown, Head of Public Affairs and Community at Govia Thameslink Railway, said: “The Grand Finale was an inspiring evening, with thoughtful and creative approaches to tackling big sustainability issues. At GTR, we’re passionate about supporting young people into rail and promoting the next generation into STEM careers, and what we saw on display gives me real confidence in the future. Well done to Motivez and all the students
involved.”
Shalin Patel, Vice President Global Safety Operations at Kenvue, said: "It was an honour to judge the Sustainable London finals, which was a a true celebration of the next generation of climate-conscious STEM leaders! At Kenvue, we are guided in all our work by our Healthly Lives Mission, striving to empower people with the tools to make healthier choices for themselves, their loved ones, and the planet.
It’s so important that our young people are provided with opportunities to grow their interest in STEM - through involvement in real-world examples, breaking down barriers, and exposing them to the huge range of careers within this field. Motivez has been incredible in bringing so many people together to do just that, and I’m sure this year’s challenge has inspired everyone involved, and not just the students. For us at Kenvue, it’s been an important reminder to think not just sustainably but also creatively in everything we do.”
