By Alex P, Year 13 and Newham Data Ambassador, October 2025

Walking back into Plexal at Here East for the second time this year, I felt that familiar mix of excitement and curiosity. I knew the day would be full of new ideas and big conversations, the kind of environment that makes you want to listen, think, and get involved.

The Future Industries Demonstrator (FID) Hackathon, hosted by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), brought together 25 small and medium-sized businesses from across London. Each one came to share an idea that could make the city more sustainable, innovative, and resilient. It was incredible to see how much creativity and passion people are putting into solving real challenges.

We started the morning with a speed pitching session, where every business had just three minutes to introduce their idea and answer our questions. It was fast, intense, and genuinely inspiring. I loved hearing the range of solutions, from cutting-edge technology to simple, clever ideas that could make a huge difference. As a Data Ambassador, I found it especially interesting to see how data is being used to support change in everything from climate solutions to community projects.

Later in the day, I was asked to join the judging panel for the main pitching session. Each business had five minutes to present before we discussed their proposals and chose who should receive a £16,000 grant to take their idea further. It felt like a big responsibility. It was a little nerve-racking at first, but also incredibly exciting to contribute to something so real.

By the end of the day, I was buzzing. I met so many passionate people, learned a huge amount about London’s innovation scene, and saw how collaboration and creativity can drive real impact. Events like this remind me why I love studying at LDE UTC. We are constantly encouraged to connect what we learn in the classroom with what is happening out there in the world.

I left Plexal feeling proud, inspired, and more determined than ever to keep developing my skills as a Data Ambassador. I cannot wait for whatever comes next.

About the Future Industries Demonstrator (FID)

The Future Industries Demonstrator (FID) supports London’s Just Transition by helping local SMEs scale bold, sustainable solutions. Based at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, FID accelerates the development of technologies tackling urban challenges in areas such as:

Natural Cities – waste and urban greening
Sustainable Structures – sustainable energy and the built environment
Food Systems – improving London’s food ecosystem
Building Better – creating healthier built environments
Since its launch, the programme has supported over 200 SMEs and delivered 15 innovation trials across the city.

About IndEX Inspire (Masterclasses)

This experience was part of our IndEX Inspire (Masterclass) programme, one of four employer-led touchpoints that connect learners directly with professionals, technologies, and innovations shaping the future. Opportunities like this help us see what is possible beyond college and give us the confidence to imagine ourselves in those spaces.

We’re proud of our learners and the impact they’re making.
 If you’re passionate about creativity, innovation, or technology, find out how LDE UTC can help you take the next step.
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