Five students from Fulham Cross Academy impressed judges in a European innovation challenge with technology that could improve how communities live together.
The young people created a digital platform that combines artificial intelligence with popular computer game, Minecraft, to help design better community spaces.
Their app uses computer programmes to create energy-efficient building layouts and tests how residents might interact with shared spaces before construction begins.
The idea was born out of a new H&F Pathway Bond initiative called 'Hackathon', where H&F students virtually competed alongside peers from Italy.
Through Upstream London, H&F's pioneering economic growth plan, the borough has now forged seven international bonds, including this European partnership with Milan.
Cllr Alex Sanderson, Deputy Leader of H&F said:
When students can combine AI and gaming to design better communities, they're not just learning skills – they're shaping solutions for our future. This is exactly what our H&F Pathway Bond is all about – opening doors so local young people can see what's possible and know the future they dream of is within reach."
Innovation without borders
Students Zwe Htun and Peter Campbell explained how their innovative approach tackles real-world challenges.
"We're using AI agents within Minecraft to optimise community living spaces," explained pupil, Zwe.
"We face three critical challenges," Peter added. "Housing affordability, environmental sustainability, and community disconnection. Our solution brings together cooperative living with Minecraft and the intelligence of AI to address these challenges head on."
"First, we optimise housing layouts based on community needs," Zwe continued. "We then use Minecraft to visualise these spaces and allow community members to interact with them virtually. Finally, we implement these designs in the real world."
The students say their approach could reduce energy use by 30% and cut costs by 25%.
Zwe added: "Our solution creates spaces where neighbours know each other, where resources are shared efficiently, and where sustainable living is the norm."
Watch their pitch on YouTube:
Innovation without borders
The 'Hackathon' shows how H&F's Pathway Bond connects local students with opportunities on their doorstep – and the global stage. More than 90 local businesses have joined the programme.
These programmes build critical thinking, collaboration and innovation skills that employers in high-growth sectors – Science, Tech, Engineering, Maths, Medicine and Media (STEM3) – need. Students also gain a clearer understanding of how classroom learning solves real world challenges.
Partnerships with other innovation districts like MIND ensure that local young people can thrive in the innovation economy being built in White City and beyond.
