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Calling all student and recent graduate innovators! Do you have a brilliant business idea? The Emerge: Be Enterprising team is excited to announce its Awards Showcase for 2025.

Have a game-changing business idea? Ready to make a real-world impact? 

Supported by Santander Universities, our Awards Showcase competition is your chance to turn your creative visions into reality. We're looking for innovative and creative solutions from all sectors – including environmental impact, health, sports, manufacturing, tech, arts, and creative industries.

Whether your idea is just a spark or you've already launched, we want to hear your idea. You could be in for winning a share of a £14,000 prize pool!

By celebrating entrepreneurial spirit, we aim to create a thriving environment where problem-solving and ingenuity are rewarded. 

This is your chance to gain recognition and win funding to bring your entrepreneurial vision to life.

Awards & Categories:

We're offering funding across three categories depending on your business stage:

• Conceptual Idea: 3 x £1,000

You've got a great idea, but will enough people actually want it? That's what this category is all about. First, you need to show us there's a real need. Then, you need to show us you've done your homework. What are the current solutions, and why is your idea better? What makes it special? Finally, back it up with facts! Show us some numbers – how many people are you trying to reach, and is that number growing? This proves your idea isn't just a hunch, but something with real potential.

• Idea Development: 2 x £3,000

You've moved beyond just an idea—you're building something real! This category is for those who are actively creating a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Think of it as your first working model and now you need to prove people actually want it. We're looking for evidence that you're creating something, with evidence or a plan to put this in front of customers. Show us how you're turning your concept into a tangible solution that people want and prove you're not just building in a vacuum, but creating something with genuine customer validation.

• Gone to Market: 1 x £5,000

You've launched your business and are formally registered. This category is for established startups who have proven they can attract customers and generate income and are looking for funding for continued development. There should be a viable plan to use this funding to scale or significantly develop the product/service to secure repeatable, ongoing business. We're looking for founders who have a clear vision and a solid strategy for turning their early success into long-term sustainability and success. 

Apply by completing the application google form and create a pitch deck to present. All shortlisted finalists will be invited to pitch their business ideas in front of our panel of successful entrepreneurs.  

Meet last year's winners! 

Last year we were delighted to receive a high number of outstanding applications for our first Awards Showcase. Out of over 70 applications, the Emerge team selected 16 businesses to pitch their idea to a panel of judges.

Last year's winning ideas included a health fitness app, new fashion brand, sustainable food production and crafting recycled materials. 

"Getting this funding and mentorship is going to be game changing for us to develop our idea further. Emerge’s support has not only opened up an avenue for business, but also an avenue for us to explore who we want to be,"

Saffron Howdle, Bobbi Co-founder