Helen Hill, a Bradford-based entrepreneur, has been recognised as the Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2024 Digital Women Awards. This accolade celebrates her groundbreaking work in both the digital and education sectors. In addition to this recognition, Helen has secured essential funding from Innovate UK’s Creative Catalyst competition, enabling her to launch her innovative climate change education initiative, Be The Future IMMERS[ED].
Pioneering Climate Action Education
Co-founded with Sally Giblin, an Australian entrepreneur, Be The Future IMMERS[ED] is set to transform the way climate action and sustainability are taught to children. Through immersive storytelling, multimedia, gamification, and interactive environments, this project aims to inspire meaningful behaviour change while providing educators with the tools they need to effectively teach sustainability. The initiative simplifies complex environmental topics, making them more accessible to younger audiences.
The pilot project, themed “Rewilding & Nature-Based Solutions,” is set to launch in West Yorkshire and will be hosted by their headline sponsor, Posynergi, an audio-visual company based in Huddersfield. This pilot will include an engaging on-site exhibition-style experience, alongside a touring version, allowing more communities to benefit from this innovative approach.
A Double Triumph for Helen Hill
Helen Hill’s recent accolades are a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to both business and education. Reflecting on her double success, Helen said, “Winning Entrepreneur of the Year is an immense honour, but what excites me most is the opportunity to bring Be The Future IMMERS[ED] to life with this new funding. Our mission is to inspire the next generation of changemakers and support educators in teaching sustainability—a subject that can often be difficult to convey effectively. By harnessing the latest technology, we are creating experiences that not only captivate young minds but also encourage action to combat climate change.”
Celebrating Women in Digital Industries
The Digital Women Awards 2024, which took place at London’s Connaught Rooms on September 18, 2024, shines a spotlight on women who are excelling in digital industries. Helen’s win acknowledges her innovative use of technology to drive change within education and sustainability. The awards were supported by Constant Contact, a global leader in digital marketing solutions for small businesses.
Erika Robinson, General Manager UK at Constant Contact, expressed her support, saying, “We’re proud to support an incredible community of empowered women like Helen, who are using digital tools to drive innovation and business success.”
Scaling the Initiative with Innovate UK Funding
The funding Helen received from Innovate UK will allow her team to scale the Be The Future IMMERS[ED] program across the UK and beyond. The initiative will now be expanded through the development of a purpose-built digital platform that will enhance the program’s reach and impact. This digital platform will enable more schools and communities to access the immersive educational experiences that Be The Future IMMERS[ED] offers.
The initiative has already garnered significant attention with creative awareness campaigns, such as last year’s World Oceans Day. During this campaign, Helen and Sally dressed as 13ft reclaimed plastic mermaids, a move that resonated with over 25 million people worldwide.
Driving Positive Environmental Change
As Helen Hill’s profile continues to rise, her vision for Be The Future IMMERS[ED] remains clear: to combine creativity, technology, and education in order to empower the next generation to take meaningful action against climate change. This unique approach to climate education is set to leave a lasting legacy for both educators and students alike.
