The final took place at the QEII Centre in London, bringing together more than 800 delegates from 72 countries. The scale of the competition is well illustrated by the fact that a total of 1,656 applications were submitted across 18 categories this year and reviewed by 1,344 jury members. Each project was evaluated by at least ten experts, while final decisions were made by a 52-member grand jury. During the final, 207 projects were showcased. 

The QS Reimagine Education Award recognises innovative educational initiatives that make a tangible contribution to transforming learning. These include projects focusing on digital technologies, artificial intelligence, inclusive solutions, strengthening the link between education and the labour market, or enhancing social impact. This year, the Navigator competed in the Nurturing Employability category, which honours initiatives that effectively support students’ employability and career development. 

On the first day of the final, all participants were required to present their projects in a five-minute presentation in English to the jury and the professional audience. The following days offered a rich professional programme, including keynote lectures, panel discussions and workshops, providing opportunities for knowledge sharing and inspiration, with networking playing a prominent role throughout the event. 

Our colleague attended, among others, Martin Serrano’s lecture “AI and Data-Driven Decisions”, the panel discussion “Universities as Innovation Hubs: Cultivating Entrepreneurial Mindsets and Ecosystems”, as well as the professional sessions “Implications of AI in Education – Beyond the Hype”. The event also provided an excellent opportunity to build international connections. 

The two overall winners of this year’s QS Reimagine Education Award perfectly illustrate the spirit of the competition. The Chilean Lab4U project aims to turn smartphones and tablets into real “pocket laboratories”, enabling students to carry out physics, chemistry and biology experiments even in schools without proper laboratory facilities. Its mobile application and teacher platform support active, inquiry-based learning, helping to reduce educational inequalities. The other winner, SolarSPELL from the University of Arizona, offers a solar-powered, portable digital library that provides access to educational, health and agricultural content for communities without internet connectivity. This technological solution is complemented by a sustainable “train-the-trainer” model, ensuring that knowledge and skills are embedded in local communities over the long term. 

Participation in the London final and the third consecutive shortlist appearance both reaffirm that the Navigator programme at Corvinus University is internationally competitive and actively contributes to shaping the future of education.