Scotland’s biggest annual showcase of young talent and ideas returns this March - and you could be at the heart of it.

OVERVIEW

Powering Futures Live 2026 united over 2,000 students from more than 100 schools as they take to the stage in some of Scotland’s most exciting venues. After a year spent tackling real-world industry challenges, students will present their final solutions as part of their SCQF Level 6 Powering Futures Challenge qualification.

This is the pinnacle of their year-long journey and for many, the most significant moment of their school experience.

What makes Powering Futures Live truly special is the way it brings education and industry together. By joining us as a panellist, you’ll help bridge that gap. Your insights, questions, and presence give students a rare chance to engage with professionals beyond the classroom, helping them build confidence, broaden their horizons, and offer a glimpse of the world they’re preparing to step into.

If you want to inspire the next generation and see the future of Scotland’s workforce in action, we’d love to have you on the panel.

Venues 2026

WHAT’S INVOLVED

Your Role in Guiding Future Innovators

As a panellist, you’ll listen to student presentations, provide constructive feedback, and encourage curiosity and creativity. Your role is to support students in sharing their learning journey and make the experience inspiring and memorable.

THE FORMAT

Presentations and Feedback Sessions

Teams of students will present their solutions to a group of industry panellists, delivering a 15–20-minute presentation followed by a 10-minute session for questions and feedback from the panel.

TRAINING

Panellist training sessions

Once you’ve signed up for your venue, you’ll complete a short online training session (no more than 20 minutes). It’s designed to prepare you for the role and help you create a positive, supportive experience for students.

  • No expertise is required - just an open mind and enthusiasm. While subject knowledge is a bonus, the focus is on engaging with students and their ideas.

  • Being a panellist isn’t about ‘grilling’ students but supporting their reflections and growth. Powering Futures offers online training to ensure you feel confident and ready to contribute.

  • This is a unique chance to inspire young people, celebrate their achievements, and play a part in shaping their futures as well as connect them to your industry or business.

  • Once you’ve booked your ticket, we’ll be in touch to gather the key information we need to ensure the events run smoothly. We’ll also arrange a short 30-minute training call with you, once completed, you’ll be fully signed off and ready for the event.

  • No, our industry panellists do not need to be PVG checked by Disclosure Scotland. 

Interested in being a panellist?