Energus and NDA graduate visited 10 Downing Street to pitch AI solution as part of Ideas Competition.

NDA group graduate, Gareth Pang earlier in May, had the opportunity to visit 10 Downing Street to pitch an AI solution as part of a government-wide #10 supported AI hackathon challenge, a UK Civil Service-wide AI Ideas Competition ran by the 10 Downing Street Data Science Team.

Gareth and Carl Dalby, his line manager and the NDA Group Head of AI & Digital, who supported the initiative, travelled to Downing Street together, and delivered their pitch in front of a panel of senior 10 Downing Street data scientists, other finalists, and the Deputy Chief of Staff at No.10.

Gareth said: “This experience has been a real highlight of my time on the graduate scheme so far.

“It has sharpened my thinking around the practical use of AI in the NDA and wider public sector and demonstrated how early-career professionals can play an active role in shaping innovation across government.”

The competition received approximately 500 entries from across the Civil Service, calling for innovative ideas to support the UK public sector through AI.

While the idea was not ultimately chosen for development, it stood out for its originality and practical application.

The panel commended their work, offering enthusiastic feedback and encouraging them to continue refining the concept.

Gareth’s line manager Carl said: “Gareth and I returned from Downing Street inspired, more determined than ever to keep pushing the boundaries of AI innovation across the NDA and the public sector.

“The story is a testament to the power of curiosity, fearless initiative and bold thinking and the importance of platforms that elevate fresh ideas.”

The selection alone was a major achievement, reflecting the innovation and potential the idea carried.

Their proposal, an AI-enabled workforce mapping and optimisation tool aimed at addressing skills gaps and legacy knowledge challenges in the nuclear sector, was selected as one of the finalists.

The pitch also marked Gareth’s first public speaking opportunity, a target set during his mid-secondment CPD review, which ended up taking place in one of the most iconic venues in government.