University of Derby’s Game Changer Wins Big at Ingenuity Impact

Mackenzie Sergeant, winner of UoD’s Pitch Perfect, has triumphed at the University of Nottingham’s Ingenuity Impact competition, winning four awards including People’s Choice and Top Idea. Her venture, Ocean Guard, develops innovative probiotic bioballs that support marine ecosystem restoration using custom bacterial strains. Backed by UoD enterprise support and academic Dr. Michael Sweet, Mackenzie’s success showcases the potential of our new Game Changers brand to empower student-led innovation and impact. This achievement brings the Game Changers mission to life — a timely and inspiring example of enterprise in action.

 

 

University of Exeter celebrates Student Entrepreneurship Awards

The University of Exeter recently celebrated the entrepreneurial achievements of students by bringing together students, colleagues, alumni and members of the local business community at the Student Entrepreneurship Awards. At the heart of the celebration was the Student Startups programme, which is open to all students with an interest in developing business ideas. This academic year the programme received 269 applications to its core incubation pathways, which offer tailored support to students at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey. Six student founders from the Student Startups programme were recognised with Startup Awards across a range of categories.

Student entrepreneurs celebrated at annual awards – News

 

King’s celebrates advances in innovation at the Spinout Accelerator Showcase

The King’s community celebrated the conclusion of the inaugural cohort of the King’s Spinout Accelerator, a 12-month programme that transforms early-stage prospective spinouts into robust commercial propositions. Over the last 12 months, six out of 10 ventures have secured investment or grants, seven are likely to spinout and raise investment within 18 months and all 10 have developed their entrepreneurial competencies. The eight spinouts who presented are advancing innovations in cancer care, diagnostics, therapeutics, robotics and pregnancy care. Read more. 

 

 

 

Manchester Met in Talks with IOEE on Potential Accreditation for New Enterprise Mentoring Scheme

Manchester Metropolitan University is in talks with the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (IOEE) to accredit its new mentoring programme, Enterprise Mentor Me. The initiative connects entrepreneurial students and graduates with experienced business mentors. Paul Tucker, Director of Manchester Met’s IOEE Centre of Excellence, says, “Exploring IOEE’s mentoring offering is a natural next step in our partnership.” The programme aims to boost confidence, skills, and real-world experience. Enterprise Projects Coordinator Ellie Stevens adds, “Enterprise Mentor Me is about building a supportive, high-quality environment where entrepreneurial ideas can thrive.” The programme is open to mentors from all industries, with full support provided.

UWTSD – Harmonious Entrepreneurship

Dr Felicity Healey-Benson and Prof David A Kirby have recently undertaken two pieces of research relating to entrepreneurship and sustainability. They are entitled: –

• Sustainability and the profit maximisation dilemma; is there scope for a spirituality dimension?
• Entrepreneurial innovation and the Global Sustainability Challenge: the need for product, process and business model innovation.

They are planning on having them published but until then if you would like to know more either contact us or visit our website https://harmonious-entrepreneurship.org/. The findings have significant implications for entrepreneurship education.

 

NTU: International Venture Builder Project to Train Researchers in Entrepreneurship

A £400K project, with £160K funded by the British Council was led by the Centre for Business and Industry Transformation (CBIT) at Nottingham Business School aims to bridge the gap between academic research and industry by training technology transfer professionals and STEAM researchers in entrepreneurship, with a focus on AI to empower businesses. Using a “train the trainer” model, participants can share skills with peers and students, multiplying impact. The programme blends training, mentoring, and networking to help researchers turn ideas into real-world ventures.

Read more here: International Venture Builder Project