Smith’s Wood Academy is celebrating after a team of Year 7 innovators secured a place in the 2026 Big Ideas Competition regional final with their life‑saving flood alert concept.
The Big Ideas Programme is a national STEM and enterprise initiative that connects young people with mentors from local businesses. Students are challenged to design a campaign, product or service that tackles climate change, with innovation at the heart of every entry.
Judges praised this year’s submissions as “thoughtful, passionate and creative,” adding that seeing young people develop solutions for the future gives them real hope.
Smith’s Wood Academy’s entry, Anti‑Flood, is a hyperlocal messaging alert system designed to warn residents in flood‑prone areas when flooding is likely. Unlike the current National Emergency Alerts system, Anti‑Flood focuses on delivering precise, location‑specific warnings to help save lives and reduce damage.
The system would draw on real‑time weather and river‑level data to send personalised alerts via text message, app notifications and automated calls, giving residents clear, timely instructions on when to prepare or evacuate.
The project has been developed by Bradley Morris, Autumn Rose Hicken and Lara Mohan, who will now refine their idea further with support from staff and industry mentors, over the next 6 weeks.
Careers Lead Mrs Long shared her excitement, saying:
“Last year we got through the regionals and came fourth place in the national finals, and we aim to do even better this year. We have contacted the Environment Agency and are hoping to collaborate with them as we refine the business plan and presentation. Please offer your congratulations to those students if you see them around school!”
The Big Ideas Programme team reported a record-breaking 149 entries this year, with judges narrowing the list to just 57 regional finalists. In their message to schools, they praised the dedication of teachers, mentors and staff nationwide, saying:
“A huge well done to all you teachers for giving your time, attention and support to offer your students the opportunity to develop their ideas. We know how hard you work and think you are all pretty amazing to go that extra step.”
The Regional Final will take place at the University of Birmingham on May 20. Best of luck to team anti-flood!
To see the full list of regional finalists, click here.
