IDEAFEST Student Business Idea Competition
The annual IDEAFEST Student Business Idea Competition is led by Henley Enterprise Lab (HELAB) and supported by Henley Centre for Entrepreneurship (HCfE). Open to all University of Reading and Henley Business School students, IDEAFEST seeks to find the student with the best idea for a business.
IDEAFEST 2025
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With cash prizes up to £1,000 and expert mentoring up for grabs, students who enter IDEAFEST have the opportunity to present their business ideas and gain support that could lead to the business idea being commercialised. You don't need prior knowledge of entrepreneurship or business experience to enter IDEAFEST - all that's required is a business idea and genuine passion to develop the business idea.
IDEAFEST comprises of two rounds, with the first round involving submitting your idea to a panel of judges. The best entries will move onto the second round, where students get the chance to pitch their idea to the judging panel in front of a live audience.
Students can enter IDEAFEST either on their own or as part of a team. Prior to submitting an entry, it's recommended that students book an appointment at the Business Idea and Start-Up Clinic to help develop their idea. Students can book an appointment via MyJobsOnline.
Event | Date |
---|---|
IDEAFEST opens to receive entries | 27 January 2025 |
Introduction to IDEAFEST Workshop | 12 February 2025 |
Sales masterclass | 26 February 2025 |
Entries close | 24 March 2025 |
Pitch practice | 9 April 2025 |
IDEAFEST final | 30 April 2025 |
Students interested to entry IDEAFEST should diarise these dates and look out for further details and the link to download the entry form.
To enter IDEAFEST 2025, please complete the IDEAFEST 2025 entry form. When prompted, please log-in using your University of Reading student Microsoft 365 account.
IDEAFEST Business Idea Competition Workshop 2025
The IDEAFEST Business Idea Competition Workshop, held on 12 February 2025 at Henley Business School, was a resounding success. Hosted by the Henley Enterprise Lab more than 40 students attended the event, which featured insightful presentations from Prof. Norbert Morawetz, who discussed ‘The 7 Principles of Winning IDEAFEST,’ and Jonathan Hayes, a corporate lawyer at Clarkslegal, who covered the legal aspects of starting a business. Additionally, a panel of last year’s winners shared their experiences of the Competition and tips for success.
Student engagement was notably high throughout the workshop. Attendees actively participated by asking numerous questions, eager to learn more about the Competition, the application process, and strategies for winning. The interactive nature of the event ensured that students left with a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to succeed in winning IDEAFEST.
The key takeaway message for students was clear: “Enter the competition, develop your idea, and win cash prizes.” This call to action resonated with the students, inspiring them to take the next step in their entrepreneurial journeys. The workshop not only provided valuable knowledge but also motivated students to pursue their business ideas with confidence and determination.
Students can obtain a recording and transcript of the Workshop by requesting it from Jurek Sikorski at jurek.sikorski@henley.ac.uk
Sales Masterclass
To help students become proficient in selling their business idea and to improve their chances of success in the Competition they are invited to register for the Sales Masterclass, which is being delivered in partnership with SCG. Students can register by simply emailing Jurek Sikorski and requesting a place.
Unlock Your Sales Potential and Win IDEAFEST
Are you ready to take your business idea to the next level? Do you want to master the art of selling and give yourself the best chance to win IDEAFEST, the annual business idea competition at Henley Business School? Then don’t miss the Sales Masterclass, delivered by Southern Communications Group and hosted by the Henley Enterprise Lab which is to be held on 26 February 2025 in HBS Building Room G15 between 12noon and 3pm.
Why Attend?
Having a brilliant business idea is just the beginning. To succeed, you need to sell your vision, persuade investors, and win over customers. The Sales Masterclass is designed to equip you with the critical skills needed to present and pitch your ideas confidently, effectively, and persuasively. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or simply looking to build essential sales skills for your career, this masterclass will provide you with the tools you need to excel.
What Will You Learn?
This interactive and practical session will cover key areas of professional sales and communication, including:
- Effective Communication – Learn how to articulate your business idea clearly and persuasively.
- Questioning Techniques – Understand how to ask the right questions to engage potential customers and investors.
- The Sandler Selling System – A seven stage proven approach to sales that helps you close deals efficiently.
- Identifying Customer Pain Points – Discover how to pinpoint what your customers truly need and tailor your pitch accordingly.
- Sales Cycle Management – Gain insight into structuring your sales process to maximize success.
- The Art of Storytelling – Master how to create compelling narratives that captivate your audience.
- Presentation Skills – Develop confidence in delivering impactful presentations that leave a lasting impression.
Who Should Attend?
The Sales Masterclass is open to all Henley and University of Reading students, whether you are competing in IDEAFEST or simply want to enhance your sales and presentation skills. No prior sales experience is required, just a willingness to learn and a passion for making an impact.
How to Register?
Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Students are invited to register by emailing Jurek Sikorski at jurek.sikorski@henley.ac.uk and requesting a place.
Seize this chance to refine your selling skills, boost your confidence, and increase your chances of success in IDEAFEST and beyond. We look forward to seeing you at the Sales Masterclass.
IDEAFEST 2024
IDEAFEST 2024, the final of which was held on 24 April 2024, was won by William Haresceugh with Aimful, an AI-powered coaching app for employee personal development, offering 24/7 on-demand access to coaching sessions. William collected £1,000 for winning the Best Business Idea category.
The cash prize of £1,000 for the Best Innovative Idea was also won by William, whilst the Best Business Idea for China categories and a bursary of £3,000 was awarded to the team which developed Senspore, a proptech business that is developing a mould detection device made from PLA recycled plastic.
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This is what Will had said about their experiences of participating at the final of IDEAFEST:
“Participating in IDEAFEST 2024 has been an Incredible experience. The mentorship and support that's been provided by the Henley Centre for Entrepreneurship (HCFE) has been above and beyond. Not only did this support enable Aimful to win the awards for both 'Best Overall Idea' & 'Best Innovative Idea', but it also helped facilitate the commercialisation of Aimful.”
Alana Rodrigues speaking on behalf of the Senspore team said: "Being recognised at IDEAFEST is a testament to the hard work of our team. We're thrilled to continue innovating and tackling challenges in the real estate industry."
Previous winners have echoed the words of William and Alana:
Brandon Bradford winner of IDEAFEST 2023 with Investor Pro Academy said: "My business has been in the works for 12 months and I'm now ready to launch. I'm grateful for the chance to pitch and pleased the judges saw the potential in the idea."
Shlok Maheshwari, IDEAFEST 2022 winner and BA Entrepreneurship student: "IDEAFEST was a good way to develop and explore the possibilities of building a business idea. Winning just made it all the sweeter."
Josh Moden, IDEAFEST 2021 winner and BA Entrepreneurship and Management student: "I entered IDEAFEST as I felt it was a way to show what I had accomplished through my entrepreneurial business ventures, as well as giving me a chance to test out my presentation skills in front of an expert audience. I found the whole experience to be very well executed and a great help in terms of planning and carrying out a great presentation. It was great to be a part of the process and I would definitely recommend anyone who is thinking of entering the competition to do so.
Lucas Cimino, IDEAFEST 2020 winner and BA Entrepreneurship and Management student: "I'm honoured - IDEAFEST is a great competition. The process to practice pitching gives students skills they can use forever."
Read the full news release of the IDEAFEST 2024 Final
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IDEAFEST is kindly sponsored by Savio Kwan, the former President and COO of Alibaba and Southern Communications Group.
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