The Ideas With Impact Prize, which is supported by philanthropic donors to the University These Awards are aimed to recognise and reward projects which are changing lives, helping shape our understanding of the world, and addressing local and global challenges. Ideas with Impact is looking to select the most inspiring, commercially viable innovations for this unique philanthropic funding programme that will accelerate early-stage research projects, allowing them to reach their full potential, globally.

On 14^th July 2025, the University’s Ideas with Impact Awards distributed £300,000 in prize money to five winners including the Elevator Pitch prize which awarded £10k for a 60-second pitch – pretty amazing! The evening was a smashing success for the individuals awarded, applicants and facilitators, and feedback was so positive that we are planning on running this Award again in 2026.

Through this scheme we will offer individual awards of £100k, £50k and £20k to help turn bright ideas into social and economic enterprises of the future. Award winners will also receive support to translate their research and ideas into business ventures, access to experienced mentors, and support in building networks to accelerate impact.

All approaches to innovation are welcome; from engineering to health, from policy to creative

Eligibility

The Ideas with Impact Awards are open for applications from any students, staff or alumni (within 3 years) from across the University who are working on solutions to global challenges. You must have ambition to translate your research solution into a social or economic enterprise and you must be at an early stage of your entrepreneurial journey.

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