WMG x JLR Student Ideathon Challenge

WMG x JLR

2026 Student Ideathon Sustainable Supply Chains Challenge.

Calling Future Supply Chain Innovators

The University of Warwick’s WMG Supply Chain Research Group, in partnership with luxury automotive manufacturer JLR, invites students to share bold ideas that could shape the future of global automotive supply chains.

As the automotive industry evolves, supply chain sustainability has never been more critical. We’re looking for innovative thinkers with ideas on how JLR can accelerate progress towards net zero while building a more resilient, transparent and future-ready supply chain.

Have a fresh idea that could help transform JLR’s supply chain sustainability? This is your chance to apply your skills to tackle a real-world industry challenge and gain invaluable experience and open doors to incredible opportunities.

The WMG x JLR Student Ideathon is open to Master’s, MBA, research and undergraduate students who are enrolled full-time at a UK university, or students enrolled in a degree apprenticeship programme, and aged 18 or over. This includes students who completed their university course in 2026 and are awaiting formal graduation.

Join our info session on 27th October.

Please email us via the link below to find out more.

Come to an info session

Submit your idea

The Challenge: Context

The global automotive industry is undergoing a period of unprecedented transformation, driven by technological advancements, evolving consumer demands, legislation and an increasing focus on sustainability and ethical practices.

At the heart of this transformation lies the supply chain – a complex web of interconnected processes that underpins every luxury vehicle JLR produces.

JLR is committed to becoming the benchmark for Sustainable Modern Luxury. Central to this ambition is a supply chain that is not only lower carbon, but resilient, transparent and future-ready – able to withstand material cost pressures, geopolitical uncertainty and market volatility.

Achieving this requires close collaboration with JLR's vast and diverse supply base, encompassing partners across the globe, who hold the key to unlocking meaningful progress towards net zero.

Come to an info session

The Challenge: Problem Statement

The 2026 WMG x JLR Supply Chain Ideathon challenges students to answer the following question:

“As JLR works towards its ambition to become the benchmark for Sustainable Modern Luxury, how might we work with our suppliers and wider ecosystem to accelerate progress towards net zero while building a more resilient, transparent and future-ready supply chain?”

We are looking for original, innovative solutions from the brightest student minds in UK universities.

This is your opportunity to apply your academic knowledge and creative problem-solving skills to a real-world, critical business challenge faced by a leading global automotive manufacturer.

Your ideas could shape the future of JLR’s supply chain and contribute to a more sustainable, resilient automotive industry.

The Solution

Do you have an innovative idea that could help an automotive manufacturer like JLR accelerate progress towards net zero, strengthen supply chain resilience and transform supplier engagement?

This is your opportunity to think big, think smart and bring your unique perspective to one of the most dynamic challenges in modern automotive manufacturing. Whether you’re studying engineering, business, logistics, sustainability, computer science or any other discipline, your innovative thinking can make a difference.

Areas of focus might include:

1. Net Zero and Decarbonisation

Incentive models
Emissions reduction
Shared accountability

2. Resilience and Risk 3. Circular Economy 4. Capability and Culture 5. Partnerships and Innovation 6. Policy and Governance

Some questions you might consider include:

How might JLR incentivise suppliers of all sizes to invest in net-zero and circular practices while remaining commercially competitive?
How can sustainability initiatives strengthen supply chain resilience against future geopolitical, economic and environmental disruptions?
What innovative partnership, funding or risk-sharing models could accelerate supply-chain decarbonisation?
How can digital technologies, data and AI improve transparency, trust and emissions reduction across the value chain?
How might JLR support lower-tier suppliers to participate in the transition to a net-zero future?
What cultural and behavioural changes are required across JLR and its supplier ecosystem to turn net-zero commitments into measurable action?

Why Participate? Rewards and Recognition.

This isn’t just an Ideathon. It’s a potential launchpad for your career.Up for grabs are exciting prizes*:

£3,000 cash for 1st place
£500 cash for 2nd place
Exclusive JLR merchandise worth up to £100 for 3rd place.

*Terms and conditions apply.Link opens in a new window

Enter now

How it works: Two Phases for Success.

The Ideathon is designed to give you a platform to develop and present your most innovative and forward-thinking ideas.

Phase 1: Online Idea Submission

What: Submit your initial innovative concept for accelerating JLR’s progress towards net zero and strengthening supply chain resilience.

When: Submissions open 7 October 2026 and close 1 November 2026.

How: Prepare a concise written submission addressing the challenge via our submission form.

Phase 2: In-person Pitch Event

What: Shortlisted students will be invited to a special in-person event to pitch their ideas to a panel of WMG and JLR judges.

When: 27 November 2026.

How: Details on the in-person pitch event will be provided to shortlisted participants once the shortlist has been finalised by 9 November 2026.

Eligibility and selection

The WMG x JLR Supply Chain Ideathon is open exclusively to Masters, MBA, research or undergraduate students enrolled full-time in a UK university; or students enrolled in a degree apprenticeship programme, aged 18 or over. This includes students who completed their university course in 2026 and are awaiting formal graduation.

Once your idea has been submitted, our expert judging panel will review all submissions and select a shortlist of finalists to participate in an in-person pitch event on 27 November 2026 [venue TBC].