Henderson Innovation Seed Fund
The Henderson Innovation Seed Fund provides up to £5,000 for undergraduate final-year students to develop or launch a business idea.
The Henderson Innovation Seed Fund provides funding and support to help students take the next step in developing entrepreneurial ideas with real-world potential.
Each year, students studying in the School of Architecture, Built Environment, Computing and Engineering can apply for an Innovation Seed Fund Prize worth up to £5,000 to bring a business idea, venture or start-up to life. In addition, students will have access to business support to help them thrive and showcase their idea at Innovation Fest.
What can the funding be used for?
Successful applicants can receive up to £5,000 to support the development of their business concept. This could include activities such as:
- Developing a prototype or proof of concept
- Market research and customer testing
- Product development
- Software or hardware costs
- Business planning and validation
- Other activities that help progress an innovative idea towards commercialisation
Who can apply
Students will be invited to apply during Semester One if they meet the below criteria:
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A final-year undergraduate student
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Enrolled onto an eligible course in the School of Architecture, Built Environment, Computing or Engineering
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Able to demonstrate an innovative and entrepreneurial idea with the potential to develop into a future business or start-up
Students studying one of the below courses can apply:
FAQs
How to apply
Final-year undergraduate students will be invited to apply during Semester One. All students should receive an outcome by the start of Semester Two so that the funding can begin to be used to enhance and develop a business idea or project ahead of Innovation Fest in May.
Students interested in this opportunity are encouraged to make their Project Supervisors and course tutors aware, so that they can support through the application and selection process.
How are applications assessed?
The Innovation Seed Fund is a competitive programme. Applicants will be asked to submit a proposal outlining their idea, its potential impact, and how the funding will be used.
Applications will be reviewed by a judging panel made up of members of the Henderson Committee and external industry representatives. Prize winners will be selected based on the strength, innovation, and potential of their proposal.
Hear from previous students
Computer Science student, Alex, used the Innovation Seed Fund to develop his project: Combi Live.
Combi Live is a smart transportation solution designed to improve Peru’s public transport system through real-time tracking and onboard surveillance. See how the idea behind Combi Live was developed and how technology can be used to tackle real-world social challenges through innovation.