Competition
Submissions and judging process
Participants will be asked to submit their idea together with a brief plan describing how it could be taken to market. A pro-forma will be provided.
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The business can be fully commercial or a social enterprise
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The idea can address any sector and does not have to be high-tech or science based
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The idea can be based around a product or service (including web and mobile apps)
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Any evidence/market research used to support the idea must be genuine even if you/your team do not intend to take it to market yourself
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Individual or team entries (up to 5 members) are acceptable
Stage 1
Outline plans to deliver the idea are submitted using the provided pro-forma.
Stage 2
The teams behind up to 20 proposals will be asked to present their idea in the form of an elevator pitch to a panel of judges.
Prizes will be awarded to teams for the best three proposals based on the quality of written proposal and elevator pitch.
Stage 3
Stage 3 is aimed at those who have a genuine interest in taking their idea to market. The teams behind up to five of the most promising ideas will be asked to attend an interview to determine which ideas will receive additional support.
The criteria will be based on the viability of the idea and the potential of the team to successfully develop it into a business in the opinion of the panel.
Note that this is not a compulsory part of the process since we recognise that not all students intend to develop their idea into a business.
Registration
In order to take part in the Student Venture Challenge, you must register via our online form. Each student must register individually even if working in a team. Please ensure all team members use the same team name - this can be changed at a later date if required.
Training
An Idea Generation and Team day will be held on November 26th. The purpose of the day is to help participating students come up with new ideas, develop existing ones and to meet potential new team mates.
A business plan bootcamp will be held on 4/5th February to provide training in the skills required to develop your idea and to present it effectively. This will also give us an opportunity to explain the judging criteria fully. See the bootcamp page for more details.
It isn't compulsory to attend the training days but we highly recommend you attend both for the best chance of success. Note that places will be offered on a first come, first served basis.
Prizes
Prizes will be awarded at the end of stage two of the competition.
Up to three teams will be chosen as a result of stage two and provided with a small bursay as well as ongoing support from mentors to help take the idea to market. See the prizes page for more information.
Competition Organisers
The competition is organised by The Institute for Enterprise and Innovation and Nottingham Entrepreneurs