Future Innovators Day 2027

Future Innovators Day 2027: Register your college or sixth form’s interest

Summary / intro

Manchester Digital is working with Autotrader to deliver Future Innovators Day 2027, part of Manchester Digital Festival 2027.

Future Innovators Day is a hands-on innovation challenge for Year 2 college and sixth-form students across Greater Manchester. Students work in teams on a real business brief, develop an innovative solution and present their ideas to industry professionals.

For 2027, the programme will include two challenge tracks linked to Autotrader’s early careers and apprenticeship pathways.

Challenge tracks

Track 1: Software Development and Engineering
For students studying a digital or technology-related pathway who enjoy coding, programming, problem-solving and building creative technology solutions.

This track is intended for Year 2 students interested in progressing into software development or engineering roles.

Date: Monday 8 February 2027
Location: Autotrader, Manchester city centre

Track 2: Partnerships and Commercial Innovation
For students who are confident communicators, creative thinkers and relationship builders, and who enjoy understanding people, identifying opportunities and developing ideas that create value for customers or partners.

Students will work on a commercial challenge that may involve researching a market or audience, developing a partnership proposition, considering how a product or service could be positioned, and presenting a persuasive recommendation.

This track is intended for Year 2 students who may be interested in careers in partnerships, business development, sales, account management, customer success or other commercial roles. Students do not need to be studying a technical subject to take part.

Date: Later in February 2027, date to be confirmed
Location: Autotrader, Manchester city centre

Why take part?

Both tracks are being developed with Autotrader and will give students direct insight into the skills, behaviours and types of work involved in its early careers pathways.

Autotrader currently anticipates recruiting approximately ten apprentices for its September 2027 intake across software development and commercial roles. Participation in Future Innovators Day does not guarantee progression into a role, but the event will help interested students understand the opportunities available and demonstrate relevant skills.

Students will receive certificates of participation, with awards and prizes presented to selected teams.

Who should register?

This register of interest is for colleges and sixth forms, not individual students.

Places will be limited because of venue capacity at Autotrader’s Manchester city centre office. Colleges that register interest will receive access to student and team registration 48 hours before it opens more widely in September.

Further information, including eligibility, team sizes, challenge arrangements and confirmed dates, will be shared in September. Manchester Digital also plans to hold a short online information session for participating colleges.

Register interest

Colleges and sixth forms can register interest here:

https://bit.ly/FutureInnovatorsDay27_ROI