Go! London Launches Open Innovation Challenge in UK

Go! London has launched its 2026 Open Innovation Challenges to fund organisations using sport and physical activity to create stronger, more resilient communities for young people in London. The programme funds ideas related to climate action and the creative transformation of spaces for sport and play. Successful applicants can receive up to £100,000 to test, refine and scale practical solutions.

Overview

Go! London’s Open Innovation Challenges support new and experimental approaches that use sport as a catalyst for social change. The programme encourages organisations to design, test and adapt solutions that address real needs faced by children and young people. The core philosophy is learning-by-doing, enabling teams to iterate and improve ideas throughout the process.

Programme Themes

1. Sport for Climate Action

This theme supports projects that:

Use sport to engage young people in climate education
Promote sustainable behaviour through sporting activities
Adapt sport participation to changing climate conditions
Integrate environmental awareness into community engagement

2. Reimagining Spaces for Sport and Play

This theme supports ideas that:

Transform overlooked, unused or underutilised spaces into activity areas
Improve existing facilities to be more inclusive and youth-friendly
Create safe, accessible and culturally relevant environments for play
Bring sport into non-traditional settings

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility is intentionally broad to attract diverse innovators.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Lead applicant must be a registered non-profit organisation
Individuals must be over 18
Projects must be delivered within London
Partnerships may include for-profit organisations.
Projects at all development stages are welcome, including early-stage ideas, prototypes, pilot initiatives and scalable models.
Applicants must also show:
Experience working with London communities (directly or through partners)
A clear minimum viable solution for untested ideas

How the Process Works

1. Peer Review Stage

Eligible applicants review and give structured feedback on other proposals. This improves learning, encourages collaboration and strengthens idea development across the cohort.

2. Finalist Selection

Each challenge selects 3–6 finalists.

3. Capacity-Building Programme (Mid-March to End-April 2026)

Finalists receive training, mentoring and support to refine solutions, strengthen theories of change, and enhance delivery plans.

4. Funding Agreement

Winners receive up to £100,000, depending on:

Solution maturity
Anticipated impact
Delivery resources required
Funded organisations must provide:
Regular progress updates
Impact reporting
Proper acknowledgement of Go! London and partners

What the Funding Covers

Funding may support:

Programme design and testing
Staffing and delivery costs
Pilot projects or prototypes
Space transformation and equipment
Youth engagement activities
Climate-awareness programming
Monitoring, learning and evaluation
Partnership and community engagement work

Why It Matters

This initiative is designed to:

Improve youth wellbeing through sport
Expand fair access to physical activity
Address climate challenges through youth engagement
Strengthen community resilience
Support innovative, practical solutions delivered by local leaders

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting ideas without a workable minimum viable solution
Proposing activities outside London
Applying without a registered non-profit as the lead
Ignoring the need for youth-centred design
Overlooking the requirement for regular reporting
Failing to show community experience or partnerships

FAQ

1. How much funding can applicants receive?

Finalists may receive up to £100,000, depending on project maturity and impact potential.

2. What types of organisations can apply?

Any registered non-profit can lead the project. Partnerships may include for-profit entities.

3. Can early-stage ideas apply?

Yes. Early ideas are welcome but must show a clear plan and minimum viable solution.

4. Do projects need to be based in London?

Yes. All activities must take place within London.

5. Can current Go! London-funded organisations apply?

Yes, provided the proposed project is separate from existing funded activities.

6. Are individuals allowed to apply?

Individuals cannot apply alone; a registered non-profit must lead the application.

7. What happens during the peer review stage?

Applicants review others’ proposals to give and receive insights that strengthen ideas across the community.

Conclusion

Go! London’s Open Innovation Challenges offer a major opportunity for organisations to use sport and physical activity to address climate challenges, reimagine community spaces and improve the lives of young people across London. With funding up to £100,000 and a strong support system, the programme empowers innovators to build solutions that are practical, meaningful and impactful across the city.For more information, visit Go! London.