START Skills Hackathon

Learners
Written By BE-ST

Held on 26 February 2026, the START Skills Hackathon gathered students from seven schools across Edinburgh for a fast-paced, practical entrepreneurship experience.

Hosted by the Centre for Net Zero High-Density Buildings (CENZ-HDB), and funded by START, the event provided an energising space for young people to explore innovation and sustainability.

Who is this for:

  • Learners

Level / Stage :

  • Beginner-level designed for S4-S6 pupils new to business and innovation.

What was delivered

  • Over six hours, teams identified local problems, conducted user interviews, developed prototype solutions, tested them with real users, and delivered pitches to a judging panel. Mentors and judges from industry guided the process.

Outputs / Resources

  • 86% of students understood how entrepreneurship benefits their future

  • 88% expressed interest in learning more about entrepreneurship

  • 70% showed interest in future studies or careers within construction, engineering, or net-zero innovation

  • 85% agreed the hackathon helped them envision turning their ideas into viable jobs or businesses

Next steps

  • View resources such as case study report and infographics here.

Partners

Funded by: START,

Delivered by: Skillfluence

Hosted by: Centre for Net Zero High-Density Buildings

BE-ST
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