Do you have a simple innovative design solution to a real everyday problem? Are you interested in starting your own company? Are you a University of Southampton undergraduate, postgraduate, or graduate? Then enter your idea into our new Concept to Creation competition and let us help you bring it to life!
Applications are open now, and close at midnight on Sunday 7 May 2023.
If you have any questions or queries please contact the Student Enterprise team via studententerprise@southampton.ac.uk.
The coffee cup sleeve is a simple yet valuable invention. It's surprising that it wasn't created until 1991. The idea came when Jay Sorensen, burned his hands on a hot cup of coffee in a paper cup.
Apply now!The Student Enterprise team are pleased to announce that in 2023 - for the first time! - we are offering a grand prize worth £10,000.
We've teamed up with DUKU, who turn design ideas into reality! DUKU provides a complete product development solution, combining design, engineering, and intellectual property services.
The grand prize winner will have the opportunity to work with DUKU to develop their concept, receive CAD engineering to turn that concept into a viable design solution and, depending on the final winning idea, in-house rapid prototyping, or full specification video animation. A prize worth £10,000!
Not only this but the grand prize winner will also be awarded a £1,000 cash prize. We will also additionally be awarding second, third and fourth-place cash prizes for applicants to explore their concept further.
Any current undergraduate or postgraduate student or any student who has graduated within the last three years can apply. You can enter in a team or as an individual. You can be studying any subject.
Follow these steps
The application process is simple, there is a straightforward online application form where you will be asked key questions about your idea. Shortlisted candidates will continue to pitch at a panel to decide the winners.
Applications will close at midnight on Sunday 7 May.
Winning applicants who are/have studied a degree with an element of taught engineering can apply to be put forward to the Engineers in Business Competition Champion of Champions Final.
We were the only university in 2022 to have two businesses go through to this grand final hosted at the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Last year the Big Ideas first prize of £3,000 plus People’s Vote and Audience Vote Prizes of £1,000 were awarded to Amara Automotive from the University of Southampton. Amara’s Elecy is a four-wheeled, weatherproof e-bike, offering crash protection, that focuses on minimising emissions during both the production and operation stages, and allows for upgrading rather than replacement.
Not only that but the Startup Business runner-up prize of £1,500 was awarded to AMRSS from the University of Southampton: AMRSS provides AI solutions for real-time aerodynamic performance analysis, to enable engineers within the automotive, aerospace and renewables sectors to improve decision-making throughout the design, test, and deployment stages.
The paper clip was once a problematic pin that would prick workers. William Middlebrook's safe, secure, and reusable design in 1899, became the widely used design we know today with 11 billion paper clips bought and sold each year.
Apply now!