Kingston University celebrates 20 years of Bright Ideas entrepreneurial competition

Kingston University’s award-winning enterprise programme Bright Ideas marked its twentieth anniversary at an event which saw former winners, staff, students, alumni and businesses celebrate two decades of innovation, entrepreneurship and success.

The initiative provides a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their groundbreaking ideas, pitch to experienced business representatives and turn their ideas into reality. The event celebrated the achievements of all students and graduates who have been a part of the programme with speeches from academics, business leaders and returning Bright Ideas alumni. Launched in 2004, Bright Ideas was the brainchild of Head of Enterprise Education Dr Martha Mador and has helped hundreds of students start their own businesses since its inception. Those taking part in the competition receive support and advice from businesses on their ideas and learn how to pitch to potential investors.

Dr Mador said she was proud of the way the programme had grown over 20 years. “It’s been a fantastic journey as we’ve grown the programme from just a few students being interested in entrepreneurship to having 800-900 apply each year. To be a part of so many student’s journeys in learning about the skills they need to launch a business is truly humbling.”

Registered nurse and CEO of Neo-Innovations UK Ltd, Neomi Bennett BEM completed her nursing degree at Kingston in 2012 and won the Bright Ideas competition in 2011 for her invention of the multi-award-winning Neo-slip, a life-saving product that aids the application of hospital stockings.

The entrepreneur, who founded Equality 4 Black Nurses, was part of a Q&A panel at the event and discussed her experience of the Bright Ideas programme. “The knowledge and experience I gained while on the programme was second to none and the courage I gained from the whole experience has really helped me progress professionally.”

Attendees also heard how Kingston’s sectorleading Future Skills programme is preparing students for a digital-first world by equipping them with nine key graduate attributes businesses value. Almost 1,000 volunteers and businesses have helped support enterprise education and Bright Ideas at the University over the years, including Santander Universities, Lebara and Salutem Care and Education.