AI Innovator of the Year Award

Are you the

AI Innovator of the Year Award

?

We’re looking for undergraduates who see AI not just as a subject to study, but as a tool to challenge the status quo. This award celebrates bold thinkers who apply AI in creative, meaningful ways — tackling real-world problems, sparking new ideas, and reimagining what’s possible.

More than just a competition, this is a platform to showcase your vision, demonstrate your curiosity, and be recognised for the impact you can make beyond technical knowledge alone. It’s your chance to stand out as a future leader, share fresh perspectives, and build connections that could accelerate your career.

To apply, you must be:

  • In your penultimate year of study
  • Studying a STEM-related degree
  • Have an active interest in AI

Applications for this award are now closed.

PRIZES

What could you win?

You could win a paid 12-week summer internship in Edinburgh or Glasgow! This opportunity offers exclusive 1-2-1 networking and mentoring opportunities with senior leadership, a lunch with one of Skyscanner's C-Suite colleagues, and £500 to spend on travel.

about you

What makes an Award winner?

An AI Innovator of the Year is more than someone who understands algorithms or code — they are bold, creative thinkers who use AI to make a real impact. They see opportunities where others see challenges and apply AI to spark fresh ideas, solve meaningful problems, and push boundaries. The AI Innovator of the Year will:

  • Show curiosity and resilience
  • Demonstrate creative thinking
  • Inspire change
about our partner

We’re a worldwide team of 1,500 passionate individuals obsessed with making travel planning and booking better for everyone. We’re particularly proud of our positive culture and community, where every individual is encouraged to learn, share knowledge, and grow. From Engineering, Product and Business to Marketing and Design, we’ve never been interested in doing the same old thing. We thrive on new ideas and fresh perspectives and aren’t afraid to fail a few times to achieve great things in the long run.

Our teams bring together diverse skills, strengths, and cultures, that’s what makes Skyscanner the Real Deal: one of the best, happiest, and most engaging places to grow your career. Travel is about new experiences and lasting memories, and working here is the same. Skyscanner is The Real Deal. Our people are The Real Deal. And together, we continue to thrive. 

At Skyscanner, we offer a wide range of emerging talent opportunities designed to help university students and graduates grow, learn, and make a real impact.  Our emerging talent programmes are highly engaging, giving people the freedom to do their best work while developing new skills. Our internship programme centres on experiential learning, supported by mentors, line managers, buddies, and an early careers community, designed to give you an insight into your chosen discipline and life at Skyscanner. You’ll also take part in bitesize development sessions to strengthen your skills and employability. 

To find out more, click here.

going all the way

How do I win?

1. Register your details
2. Submit your application by
January 26, 2026
Your details must be submitted and completed, and if you are successful in making it through to the next stage, you will hear from us by 18th February 2026.
3. Assessment
If you are successful in making it through to the next stage of the process, you will be invited to a first stage interview with Skyscanner.
4. Grand Final
The final shortlist of 10 students will be invited to the awards ceremony on the 24th April 2026, where the award winners will be announced.