Future digital leaders tackled
Smart Cities Challenge

Netcompany and Ahead Partnership expanded their flagship programme to build UK’s digital talent pipeline

The expansion helped to equip hundreds of young people across the UK with the skills and mindset to become the digital leaders of tomorrow through the Smart Cities Challenge, a flagship programme delivered by social value specialist Ahead Partnership and international IT services provider, Netcompany.

The three-month long programme has grown significantly since it was launched in 2023, reaching over 600 Year 8 students across London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and the North East, challenging them to design inclusive, sustainable and tech-enabled solutions for the cities of the future.

The initiative formed part of Netcompany’s renewed three-year commitment to fostering digital skills and gender inclusivity among young people. As a founding and anchor sponsor of Ahead Partnership’s award-winning Growing Talent Digital Leeds programme, Netcompany has helped bridge the digital skills gap since 2021. Its continued support of Leeds’ young people and schools has allowed Ahead Partnership to reach thousands of students and expand into new regions to build a more representative workforce for the tech sector.

The Smart Cities Challenge introduced its participants to real-world applications of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) subjects, including AI, green energy, UX design and accessibility tech. Through in-school workshops, mentoring sessions and a competitive regional finale, participants had the opportunity to develop vital skills in design thinking, teamwork, communication and problem-solving – essential for future careers in digital and smart infrastructure.

The programme also encouraged students to consider core themes in the evolution of smart cities, including how smart technologies could be integrated with existing infrastructure to improve urban living, accessibility and sustainability.

At the same time, the programme provided meaningful volunteering opportunities for Netcompany colleagues, who mentored and guided participating students throughout. Last year, 100% of volunteers reported improved leadership skills, said that it helped connect them with underrepresented groups in their field, and stated that taking part in the programme improved their perception of their employer.

This year’s Smart Cities Challenge reached hundreds of students across the country. Winning teams from each school received mentoring from Netcompany professionals before competing in a regional cross-school finale judged by industry experts.

Suzie Bell, Programme Manager at Ahead Partnership, added:

“This programme not only inspires young people to explore digital and tech-based careers, but also gives them the confidence to apply their creativity to real-world challenges facing our cities. It has connected employers directly with the next generation of innovators — those who will go on to shape how we design, build and live in smarter, more sustainable communities.

“For our employer partners, it’s a powerful example of how business-led social value programmes can deliver measurable impact: helping to close the digital skills gap, improve diversity in the sector, and ensure the UK remains competitive in the global tech economy.”