It’s a student competition set inside leading UK digital agencies. Students work in teams to answer a live brief, guided by industry mentors.
The 2026 pilot runs at an agency hub in London. We plan to bring BIMA NextGen to more UK cities in 2027.
This year’s brief is set in partnership with the Online Responsibility Network (ORN), the UK’s newest network for online safety best practice. As part of the Trust Alliance Group, ORN brings 22 years’ experience of helping companies navigate the evolving digital landscape.
Unemployment among 16–24 year-olds rose to 16.1% at the end of 2025. According to the ONS, that’s the highest figure in a decade.
Graduates are finding it harder than ever to break into the industry. BIMA NextGen gives them a way in.
Students work on a live brief, supported by industry mentors. They leave with connections, real experience, and a portfolio piece that could make all the difference.
It also supports BIMA’s commitment to building the digital talent pipeline, bringing together the brightest minds from universities, agencies and industry partners.
Immerse yourself in agency life.
BIMA NextGen kicks off at our agency hub in London. You’ll get the brief, join a team, and get to work.
Over the next few days, your team develops its response away from the hub. On the final day, you come back to the hub and present to a panel of industry judges.
You’ll leave with contacts, hand-on experience, and work for your portfolio. The winners get paid internships.
Help find and shape the next generation of digital talent.
We’re looking for agency representatives to coach students on the day, lending their expertise to help answer the brief.
We also need judges to sit on our panel.
Ahead of our 2027 national rollout, we’re on the lookout for agencies to host BIMA NextGen events for 20-30 students
Day 1: Monday 11th of May
Students arrive at the agency hub in London. They receive the brief, form teams, and get to work
Day 2-4: 12th-14th of May
Teams work independently away from the hub to develop their response.
Day 5: Friday 15th of May
Everyone comes back together to present to our panel of industry experts.
