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  1. Careers and Enterprise
  2. Enterprise
  3. Funding for entrepreneurs
  4. Build It awards

Build It awards

Win up to £10,000 for your business idea

Applications close 1st June.

If you have an idea that you can’t test before you’ve developed a prototype, you can apply for up to £10,000 to develop one (e.g. an app, website, or physical prototype).

To win a Build It Award, you need to undertake significant market research to show that your product has commercial potential and offers an innovative solution to a market need. We’ll also ask you to outline exactly how this money would help you to take your idea to the next stage (e.g. trials, manufacturing, or raising further finance).

 

Who we’re looking for

  • You have identified a challenge worth solving and developed a business model that works to solve it
  • You are experienced, ambitious and capable of growing your venture
  • You have a realistic plan for developing your idea
  • You are a current QMUL student or graduated in the last 3 years
  • You will be living in the UK during the period that the award money is spent.
  • You own the IP (intellectual property) of your idea

We encourage you to book an Enterprise Appointment with the Enterprise Team to get some feedback on your draft application. To book an appointment, call 020 7882 8533 or book online 

How to apply

  • Complete our application form on QM Careers Hub.
  • Create a 2-minute video pitch (max) that introduces your idea. In your pitch you should include:
    • A summary of your idea
    • What problem are you solving and your solution
    • Who your customers/ users are (e.g. who you think would pay for it)
    • Why you need funding, and how this funding will allow you to test your concept
  • Upload your video by the next available deadline to any hosting service such as YouTube or Vimeo, and write the link on your application form 
  • If your application is successful you will be invited to pitch again in person at a panel interview.

Deadlines and important dates

Applications will be open 6th May - 1st June.

Shortlisted applicants must be available to attend a pitch training workshop (3 June) as well as the final pitch night (18 June).

Important Dates:

Application Deadline: 1 June 2025 11:59PM

Mandatory Pitch Workshop: 3 June 6-8pm

Pitch Night: 18 June 5-8pm

Each applicant must speak to one of our Enterprise advisors David (d.tomas-merrills@qmul.ac.uk) or Jac (j.steinmetz@qmul.ac.uk) before submitting their application to ensure they meet the required criteria – no exceptions.

 

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