Applications launch for AI and Social Mobility Challenge Prize

Today, Monday 22nd June, applications have opened for the first AI and Social Mobility Challenge Prize to encourage using technological innovation to drive forward social mobility in the UK. 

The Social Mobility Commission has been working in partnership with the EY Foundation and Social Tech Trust to design this exciting initiative for ventures using AI and other emerging technologies to improve social mobility for young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Supported by top technological expertise at Microsoft, HSF Kramer, EY, Fieldfisher, and LinkedIn, the programme will provide practical, responsible, and scalable solutions that help young people access pathways into education, skills development and employment.

Alun Francis, Chair of Social Mobility Commission said: 

“AI is rapidly changing our economy and society. At the Social Mobility Commission, we recognise the huge potential in this transformation and, like previous waves of innovation, the changes it will influence in the accepted pathways for social mobility.

“It is going to be important to learn from lessons of the past, such as deindustrialisation, which have left long-term impacts on certain communities. The AI and Social Mobility Challenge Prize is an opportunity to think differently and show how new technology can shape an even better future.”

The programme aims to ensure opportunities created by AI and emerging technologies are shaped and shared more equitably across the country. As AI increasingly becomes part of everyone’s personal and professional lives, it is vital that inclusion and accessibility are built into systems and not just an after thought. 

When the power of AI is harnessed for good, it can widen access to personalised learning, career guidance, mentoring, digital skills and employability support.

The AI and Social Mobility Challenge Prize is seeking ventures developing solutions across:

• EdTech and learning access
• Future of work and youth employability
• Workforce inclusion and inclusive recruitment
• AI literacy and digital skills
• Career navigation, mentoring, and guidance
• Accessibility, wellbeing, and financial capability

Applications are open until 20th July 2026. More information is available on the Social Tech Trust website here. 

The programme will culminate in a public-facing showcase event at Parliament in October 2026, highlighting the selected ventures and the broader role that responsible AI and cross-sector collaboration can play in widening opportunity for young people across the UK.

Interested in how AI and tech can influence Social Mobility? 

• Listen to our Deputy Chair, Resham Kotecha, speaking with Claire Thorne, co-CEO of Tech She Can on the importance of tech reflecting society here. 
• Listen to our Deputy Chair, Robert Wilson, speaking with David Richards, managing partner of Yorkshire AI Labs, to discuss growing the economy, entrepreneurship and the opportunities of AI here.  
• Listen to our Deputy Chair, Resham Kotecha, speaking with Adrian Joseph, non-exec director at Direct Line Group and AI Advisor on how to make sure AI is used ethically and ensure representation in the tech sector here.