Impact of support

The progress your support makes possible

Highlights from the 2025/26 report

The Royal Academy of Engineering is celebrating its 50th anniversary at a time when engineering and technology have never been more important. Over the past five decades, the Academy has brought together engineers, innovators, entrepreneurs and policymakers to address society’s most pressing challenges and engineer better lives.

Below is a selection of stories featured in our latest annual Impact of Giving report, showcasing the impact made possible by the generosity of our donors, partners and supporters. Across the UK and around the world, philanthropy is enabling us to nurture future engineering leaders, support groundbreaking entrepreneurs, champion equity, diversity and inclusion, strengthen public understanding of engineering, and help innovators develop solutions that create lasting positive change.

To see more stories like the below, please download a copy of the full report.

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Transforming innovative ideas into successful, high-growth businesses

In February 2026, our Enterprise Hub was recognised as the UK’s leading startup hub in the Financial Times and Statista rankings, while also securing 11th place among Europe’s top 180 startup hubs. The recognition reflects more than a decade of supporting ambitious engineering and technology entrepreneurs to transform innovative ideas into successful, high-growth businesses.

Read more about the Enterprise Hub in our report

Enabling the next generation of researchers

In partnership with Google DeepMind and The Hg Foundation, our Research Ready programme is opening up research careers to talented students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. After two years, independent evaluation shows participants have increased confidence in research, greater awareness of future opportunities and stronger progression into MSc, PhD and research-intensive careers.

Read more on how Research Ready is developing engineering leaders

Turning potential into success

Over the past ten years, the Graduate Engineering Engagement Programme (GEEP) has helped more than 2,000 students from underrepresented backgrounds build the confidence, skills and networks needed to thrive in engineering by working with more than 50 engineering partners & 70+ universities. 

Find out how GEEP is creating lasting impact in students' lives

Building a generation of future engineers

This is Engineering has delivered a measurable shift in how young people view engineering and the role it could play in their future. The campaign has inspired greater consideration of engineering in further and higher education, influencing an estimated 1.6 million young people to consider becoming engineers, increasing interest in engineering careers among teenagers, and encouraging more students, particularly women, to study engineering at university.

Read more about the impact of This is Engineering

Tackling global safety and sustainability challenges

Engineering X, a partnership between the Royal Academy of Engineering and Lloyd’s Register Foundation, brings together experts, policymakers and innovators across 40+ countries to tackle global safety and sustainability challenges. Through collaboration, research and practical action, it develops solutions, influences policy and strengthens engineering capability to create safer, more sustainable systems worldwide.

Find out about Engineering X's four missions

Supporting women to thrive in technology

Since 2021, the Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship programme has awarded more than £1.6 million in scholarships, supporting 81 women studying computer science and engineering across the UK. Through financial assistance and mentoring, the programme helps talented women from low-income backgrounds overcome barriers to higher education, develop key skills and build professional networks.

Learn more about Research Ready's long term impact