07 October 2019
Share your ideas for changing the world by entering Policy Idol
Applications for Policy Idol 2020 are now open. Here’s your chance to pitch a world-changing idea to a panel of experts to win one of four cash prizes.
Do you want to change the world? Do you have an idea for policymakers? Do you think you can convince a group of policy experts in just three minutes?
Applications for Policy Idol 2020 are now open. Here’s your chance to pitch a world-changing idea to a panel of experts from the worlds of politics, academia and industry to win one of four cash prizes up to £1000. You have until Friday 6 December 2019 at 17:30 to apply.
Organised by the Policy Institute at King’s College London and now in its 6th year, Policy Idol is an annual competition for all King’s students, who can enter individually or as part of a team. The competition sees the best ideas selected in a series of heats, with standout pitches from each heat put through to the final. All finalists receive bespoke training in policy analysis and communications, as well as an opportunity to improve their pitch.
During the grand final you’ll present your three-minute pitch to a live audience and panel of leading figures who will assess your pitch on the quality of delivery and the evidence and analysis underpinning it. Winners will receive one of four cash prizes of up to £1000, including for the overall best pitch, for the pitch with the best substance, pitch delivered with the most style and a prize voted on by the audience.
Watch a video of previous Policy Idol finalists
Policy Idol contestants have credited the skills they gained through the competition, including improved confidence, communications and analysis, with helping them succeed in their careers after King's.
Winner of Policy Idol 2018 Louise Phelps said:
“The skills and experiences I’ve taken away from Policy Idol are already proving their worth beyond the competition. I have now started work in the Civil Service at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and in my first month gained exposure to agricultural policy, the focus of my Policy Idol pitch.
“My experience of the competition was undoubtedly the highlight of my time at King’s and something I could not recommend more highly to any King’s student, past or present.”
Mark Easton, BBC News Home Editor and host of Policy Idol said:
“Who imagined that policy proposal and assessment could be turned into a fun night out? Policy Idol brilliantly showcases the talent and ideas of a new generation of policymakers"