Got an idea for a business?
The Innovation Challenge is your chance to impress our judges with your idea for a product or service. You could win a share of our prize fund of £10,000 (£5,000 kindly provided by Converge Microfinance).
Begin your entrepreneurial journey and turn your idea into reality by submitting your entry before 5pm on 13 February 2026.
Who can apply?
This competition is open to current students at any level at the University of Strathclyde – i.e. anyone graduating in 2026 or beyond.
You don’t need to have started a business to apply. All you require is an idea for a business, product or service. You must not have received more than £5,000 already in funding or support for your idea – this is a competition for people at the early stages of their journey.
Every applicant to the Innovation Challenge has the option to receive support from Strathclyde Inspire advisors to explore the possibility of creating a business to commercialise their product, if they wish. Please note this is currently available at the Glasgow campus only.
Sign up now to get started with your application
Innovation Challenge 2025 winner Jane N Nyokabi-Duthie
Innovation Challenge 2025 winner Patrick Macdonell
What to expect
Step 1
Start thinking about the questions you will be asked in the application form. These include:
- A non-confidential summary (100 words)
- What makes your innovation unique (100 words)
- Your market and customers (150 words)
- How the business could make money (50 words)
- Product/service development plan (200 words)
- Potential impact of funding (50 words)
Step 2
Complete and submit the application form by Friday 13 February at 5pm.
Step 3
Look out for the shortlisting announcement on Friday 20 February and be available for an in-person pitch during week commencing Monday 23 February. Winners will be announced on Thursday 5 March. Good luck!