Got an idea for a business?
The Innovation Challenge is your chance to impress our judges with your idea for a product or service. You could win a share of our prize fund of £10,000 to help you begin your entrepreneurial journey and turn your idea into reality!
All entries will automatically be considered for a share of an additional £5,000 in funding from Converge.
Find out more and enter by 28th February 2025.
Who can apply?
This competition is open to current students at any level at the University of Strathclyde – i.e. anyone graduating in 2025 or beyond.
You don’t need to have started a business to apply. All you require is an idea for a business, product or service. You must not have received more than £5,000 already in funding or support for your idea – this is a competition for people at the early stages of their journey.
Every applicant to the Innovation Challenge has the option to receive support from Strathclyde Inspire advisors to explore the possibility of creating a business to commercialise their product, if they wish.
Sign up now to get started with your application
Innovation Challenge 2024 winner Jonah Davies-Jones
Innovation Challenge 2023 winners Alison Stobie and Daniel Brown
What to expect
Step 1
Start thinking about the questions you will be asked in the application form. These include:
- A non-confidential summary (100 words)
- What makes your innovation unique (100 words)
- Your market and customers (150 words)
- How the business could make money (50 words)
- Product/service development plan (200 words)
- Potential impact of funding (50 words)
Step 2
Complete and submit the application form by Friday 28th February at noon.
Step 3
Look out for the shortlisting announcement on Friday 7th March and be available for an in-person pitch between 17th and 19th March. Winners will be announced on Friday 21st March. Good luck!