Big Ideas Programme tackles environmental challenges

Believ supports STEM competition in Suffolk schools

Electric vehicle chargepoint operator Believ has partnered with the Big Ideas Programme, a Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) competition-based initiative aimed at developing creative solutions for sustainability, to support young people in Suffolk to address local and global environmental challenges. 

Delivered by social enterprise Solutions for the Planet, the year-long programme runs from October 2026 to June 2027. It will engage secondary school students aged 11-14 in a structured competition designed to build skills in creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship. 

Students will be challenged to identify a key environmental issue and develop a practical solution, supported by a business plan and team-led implementation within their school. The initiative will include regional heats and finals, concluding in a national final in Westminster. 

As part of the partnership, Believ will provide dedicated mentorship to three selected schools in Suffolk. They will support students through virtual workshops and guidance sessions across the programme, helping them to refine their ideas and strengthen their proposals. 

Through the programme, students will develop sustainability knowledge, including insight into the EV transition, while working collaboratively to apply STEM skills in analysing and solving real-world problems, and building experience in research, communication, and presenting. 

The collaboration reflects Believ’s commitment to delivering meaningful social value and supporting the next generation of talent into the net zero economy. This partnership also supports Believ’s wider mission to accelerate the transition to cleaner mobility and deliver cleaner air for all, by raising awareness of future net zero career pathways and inspiring the next generation to engage with sustainable solutions. 

Jen Baughan, chief executive at the Big Ideas Programme, said: “We’re delighted to be launching the Big Ideas Programme in Suffolk with Believ as a founding partner. Suffolk is an exciting new area for us, and Believ brings expertise from the heart of the transition to electric vehicles and the net zero economy.  

“Together, we’re giving young people the opportunity to tackle real environmental challenges, connect with industry, and build the skills and confidence to see themselves as part of a more sustainable future.” 

Guy Bartlett, chief executive at Believ, says the partnership complements Believ’s work in building accessible and reliable charging infrastructure that supports cleaner transport and healthier communities. “We’re proud to be partnering with the Big Ideas Programme to support young people in Suffolk to develop the skills and confidence to tackle real-world environmental challenges,” he said.

“Inspiring the next generation is an important part of delivering our mission to create cleaner air for all. By connecting students with industry and giving them the opportunity to explore solutions, we hope to play a role in shaping a more sustainable future.” 

The programme will officially launch in October with an initial ‘Big Ideas Day,’ followed by a series of workshops and engagement sessions throughout the academic year. Suffolk has been identified as the starting point for the Believ partnership, with potential for expansion into additional counties in the future.