Swansea University's Big Pitch Competition, sponsored by Santander Universities, recently returned, offering more student entrepreneurs a major boost for their business ideas.
Hosted by the Enterprise Team, based in Swansea's Research, Engagement and Innovation Services (REIS), the competition supports student start-ups and showcases some of the brightest and most innovative minds.
The event saw 14 students pitch their businesses, which included support for writers through lucid dreaming, sustainable solutions to diesel emissions, practical crochet clothing, high-quality, affordable boxing gloves and more.
Each student presented their idea to a panel of judges, who awarded:
- More than £7000 to five businesses.
- Nine places on bespoke accelerator programmes designed by the Enterprise Team in collaboration with national organisations.
- Five trading opportunities across Swansea.
- Three mentors from the University's alumni community.
All participants will receive further business support and guidance from the Enterprise Team.
This year's judges included Nicholas Davies, Santander Relationship Manager for Santander Universities, as well as three entrepreneurs and Swansea graduates; Joelle Drummond, Founder of Drop Bear Beer, Emma Wilkins, Creator of the Welsh Business Show and Dr Ben Reynolds, Founder of The Urban Foundry.
Dr Reynolds said: "There were some great ideas presented via confident and very well-delivered pitches – a few were educational too!
"It was an honour to be asked and to sit alongside some great entrepreneurs on the judging panel. Thank you to you and the team for doing such a great job organising it as always and for asking me to judge."
The Big Pitch is open to individuals from all disciplines and backgrounds, with no prior experience necessary.
Before the event, students are offered a space on the Enterprise Team's Pitching for Success workshop, which supports those looking to refine the key skills needed for a successful pitch, allowing them to develop their ideas and feel confident in presenting them effectively.
On her experience participating in The Big Pitch, PhD Psychology student Chloe Tulip said: "The Big Pitch was incredible! It gave me the opportunity to build confidence in talking about my business to a receptive and supportive audience. It was the perfect setting to gain valuable experience and refine my skills for future success."
Emma Dunbar, Head of Engagement, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, said: "The Big Pitch is the University's student enterprise flagship competition of the year. Each year, we are impressed by the breadth and depth of ideas, innovation, drive and ambition demonstrated by our students, and this year was no exception.
"These students from across the University demonstrated how harnessing their passion, research and creativity can be turned into innovative and sector-changing businesses.
"Enterprise is very much alive at Swansea University!"
Find out more about Student Enterprise at Swansea University.