Deadline: 01-May-2026
The Raspberry Pi Foundation’s Coolest Projects UK 2026 invites young digital creators aged 18 or under to showcase technology-based projects in coding, digital making, and creative technology. The event on 16 May 2026 in Bradford features project presentations, hands-on activities, certificates, and bursaries for participants needing financial support.
Overview of the Event
Coolest Projects UK celebrates creativity and innovation in young people, encouraging projects that involve code, computers, or digital technology. The event provides a platform for young makers to present ideas, prototypes, or works in progress to the coding community, family, and friends.
Event Details
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Date: Saturday, 16 May 2026
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Location: Life Centre, Bradford, United Kingdom
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Entry Deadline: 1 May 2026
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Cost: Free to attend, with partial bursaries available for travel or participation support
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Activities: Project showcases, hands-on coding sessions, certificates, and event swag
Project Categories and Judging
Projects can be submitted in seven categories (unspecified, typically coding, robotics, hardware, etc.) and will be judged based on:
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Coolness – originality and fun factor
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Complexity – technical skill and problem-solving
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Presentation and Communication – clarity in explaining the project
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Design and Usability – user experience and functionality
Eligibility Criteria
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Participants must be aged 18 or under and based in the United Kingdom.
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Projects can be registered individually or in teams of up to five members.
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Participants aged over 13 can register their own projects; projects by those under 13 must be registered by an adult mentor.
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Open to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced creators.
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Projects may be new or existing, but previously submitted projects require significant changes to be eligible.
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Projects cannot contain graphic violence, harm, or inappropriate language.
How to Participate
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Register your project online before 1 May 2026.
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Ensure project meets eligibility requirements, including participant age and UK residency.
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Attend the event in Bradford on 16 May 2026 with your project.
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Participate in hands-on coding activities, networking, and presentations.
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Receive recognition through certificates, event swag, and potential bursary support if needed.
Key Tips for Applicants
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Focus on creativity, originality, and technical skill in your project.
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Prepare a clear presentation and demonstration for the judges.
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Collaborate with teammates effectively if entering as a group.
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For younger participants, ensure an adult mentor supervises the project.
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Make sure your project is suitable for all audiences and adheres to event guidelines.
Why This Event Matters
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Encourages digital literacy and coding skills among young people.
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Provides a platform to showcase innovation, creativity, and technical skill.
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Builds confidence and community engagement within the coding and technology sector.
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Offers opportunities for mentorship, networking, and recognition in STEM fields.
FAQs
1. Who can participate? Young people aged 18 or under, based in the UK.
2. Can I enter as a team? Yes, teams of up to five members are allowed.
3. Are there fees to attend? The event is free, with bursaries available for financial support.
4. Can I submit a project I’ve already made? Yes, if it hasn’t been previously submitted or has significant updates.
5. What types of projects are accepted? Projects involving code, computers, or digital technology.
6. Are younger children allowed to submit projects? Yes, but projects from participants under 13 must be registered by an adult mentor.
7. When and where is the event? 16 May 2026 at the Life Centre, Bradford, UK.
Conclusion
Coolest Projects UK 2026 provides a unique platform for young digital makers to present, learn, and celebrate technology and creativity. By showcasing projects, participating in coding activities, and connecting with peers, young innovators can enhance their skills, gain recognition, and contribute to the UK’s digital learning community.
For more information, visit Raspberry Pi Foundation.