Written by Lynn O'Byrne
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and the Engineers in Business Fellowship (EIBF) support science, engineering, and biomedical students with enterprising ideas
ARU and EIBF have now renewed their partnership to nurture an entrepreneurial spirit among students from a science background and, through the #ThinkBigARU Pitching Competition, awarded four teams for their innovative business ideas. Through the EIBF Prize Fund, ARU offered £1,000 in prize money alongside mentoring support and promotion via EIBF networks. The winning teams had ideas ranging from sustainable fishing and smart plant pots to online marketplaces for minorities and mental health support in the equestrian industry. The first team is now preparing for the Champion of the Champions Competition Prize Fund, which will run later this year.
****
Durham University Launches Innovative Programme to Tackle Global Challenges
Durham University is launching Impact Innovators: an exciting new eight-week innovation programme aimed at equipping students with the skills to address global challenges through design thinking and sustainability. Focussing on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the programme offers immersive workshops, interactive bootcamps, and a unique international trip to India. Students will learn how to ideate, prototype, and implement solutions for a better future, developing essential innovation and entrepreneurial skills. The initiative, starting on 16thJune and running until 8th August, underscores Durham’s commitment to empowering future leaders to create positive change in their communities and beyond. For more information on the programme email Rachel Bickerdike: rachel.bickerdike@durham.ac.uk
****
Cardiff Met flagship Start-Up Business Bootcamp programme celebrates a year of success!
Across the first week of June, Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Centre for Entrepreneurship hosted its annual Start Up Business Bootcamp, supporting 30+ student entrepreneurs who demonstrated outstanding passion and commitment to developing viable self-employment pathways. The intensive four-day programme featured 12 practical workshops facilitated by 21 industry experts, covering topics such as finance, idea generation and validation, marketing, SEO, and pitching. The Centre was also pleased to welcome participants from Google DeepMind programmes, joining as part of an eight-week programme focused on launching AI ventures. To see more, take a look at our reel here!
****
Aston Rocket Day Awards
The Aston Centre for Enterprise, Coaching and Innovation hosted nearly 100 guests for the sixth annual Team Academy Aston Rocket Day Awards on 4th June. The event celebrated team entrepreneurs from the BSc Business Enterprise Development and MSci Design, Enterprise and Innovation programmes, as well as the local businesses supporting them. Keynotes were delivered by Iveta Pudilova and Jof Walters, with awards presented by Professor Marian Garcia. Final-years Rhys Jones and Lucas Priestley hosted the event. AKG Media and Your Travel Community were highly commended, with chesscafé taking the Team Entrepreneur of the Year award.
Karan Singh, founder of chesscafé and winner of Team Entrepreneur of the Year, with Professor Marian Garcia.
****
SERC Student Wins Funding for Social Impact Food Truck
SERC Lisburn student Brandan Magee has secured £1,000 from the SEED 2030 Micro Grants Programme to launch a food truck offering affordable, sustainable meals to low-income communities. Currently completing a Level 2 Traineeship in Professional Cookery, Brandan’s project aims to make nutritious meals accessible and inspire other young people in care to pursue business success. Supported by SERC staff and now mentored by One Young World and Unloc, Brandan is turning his lived experience into entrepreneurial impact making a difference through his socially driven business.
SERC Culinary Student Secures SEED 2030 Micro Grant – SERC
****
YES2025: Developing Next Generation of Innovative Researchers!
The Your Entrepreneurs Scheme (YES) returns this September, equipping PhD, early-career researchers and technicians with the skills to communicate their research across academia, industry, and policy effectively. Through online know-how sessions, with discussions and mentorship from industry experts, participants will develop the skills to transform research into real-world impact. Whether you are pursuing a research career or exploring new avenues, YES can help participants build confidence and versatility to unlock their true potential.
To learn how YES can shape your future, come along to one of our awareness sessions or visit our website.