The platform that
connects everything
The Lab is IFD's digital platform. It's the engine that matches live industry challenges to university curricula, without disrupting either. It's where the abstract becomes applied, and where students go from learners to practitioners.
A simple, transparent process
A simple, transparent process to connect businesses and communities with academic talent.
Submit a Challenge
Businesses and community groups submit their real-world challenges that need innovative solutions. Provide clear objectives, timelines, and expected outcomes.
- Define the problem statement
- Set clear deliverables
- Specify timeline and resources
Match & Engage
Challenges are matched with relevant university faculties based on expertise. Faculty members invite students to form teams and participate.
- AI-powered matching with faculties
- Faculty reviews and approves challenges
- Students form collaborative teams
Develop Solutions
Student teams work on challenges with faculty guidance, applying academic knowledge to solve real business and community problems.
- Regular check-ins and Q&A
- Faculty mentorship throughout
- Businesses and community groups feedback on progress
Submit & Win
Student teams submit their solutions for review. Business and community partners evaluate and provide feedback, with winning teams receiving recognition.
- Professional feedback from industry
- Certificates and recognition
- Unlocking potential career opportunities
Take a look at The Lab
Built for three audiences,
aligned by one platform
For Universities
Enrich without disruption
The Lab integrates with your existing modules, not against them. Bring the rigour of real industry to your students without redesigning your curriculum or overloading your academic staff.
- Seamless curriculum integration
- Enhanced student employability metrics
- Industry relationships at scale
- No additional workload for academics
- Measurable student engagement uplift
For Industry
Harness collective ingenuity
Access the analytical power of student cohorts across multiple UK universities. Get fresh, structured thinking on the challenges your teams are too close to solve.
- Gain fresh perspectives and innovative solutions
- Access to diverse student talent
- Early pipeline for graduate recruitment
- CSR and educational impact credentials
- Structured, academically rigorous outputs
For Students
Build credentials that count
Graduate with more than a degree. The Lab gives you the applied experience, professional skills, and real-world portfolio that employers consistently say they're looking for.
- Real industry experience in your degree
- Professional skills portfolio
- Direct exposure to potential employers
- Mentorship from industry professionals
- Confidence in tackling complex problems
- Competitive edge in graduate recruitment
Ready to connect?
Join The Lab ecosystem
Whether you're a university department, an industry partner with challenges to solve, or a student ready to make an impact, The Lab has a place for you.