Newcastle: Enterprise Challenge – Sustainability in Science

Bioscience students stepped out of their comfort zone for an afternoon to think divergently to address the provocation of improving sustainability in science. Hosted off-campus, a set of fast-paced enterprise group activities were intermingled with Lego creativity, and food to stimulate both inspiration and teamwork. Coached by entrepreneurial bioscience alumni and enterprise academics, students challenged ‘the way things are done’ with a naïve yet bold ambition. Solutions pitched were diverse, fresh and innovative; from virtual reality laboratory training, to biodegradable labware and re-purposing waste water. Outcomes; novel, disruptive and enterprising bioscience solutions for a more sustainable future of scientific research!

 

Swansea: Invent for the Planet

Invent for the Planet is an Intensive Design Experience which tasks students with solving some of the world’s most pressing problems in just 48 hours. Led by Swansea’s partner, Texas A&M University, Swansea is still the only UK University invited to participate against another 37 Universities around the world. Students work in teams to develop solutions, prototypes and elevator pitches which are presented to a panel of expert judges. In 2019 a team from Swansea came 3rd in the Invent for the Planet Grand Final in Texas. 2020, was their third year running Invent for the Planet Swansea and they were successful in obtaining £3,000 from Engineers in Business Competitions to award to the winners.

 

Birmingham Venture Crawl

Replicating the idea initiated in London, the University of Birmingham and Birmingham City University teamed up to run Birmingham Venture Crawl. 34 students from a range of degrees joined together for this epic city trek. Visiting start-ups, co-working and maker spaces they met entrepreneurs from various sectors and discovered support available to them. What a fantastic day with a great buzz! The students were highly engaged asking lots of questions and they networked with each other as well as with the entrepreneurs. They were inspired and encouraged and learnt that “Birmingham is an exciting place to start a business”. Job done!