Competitions

Converge is on the lookout for 100 aspiring innovators to join their 2025 programme

 

If you’re a UWS member of staff, student or recent graduate looking to turn your research, idea or invention into a thriving business, then this is your chance to access the right skills, expertise and connections to make it happen.

 

Whatever difference you want to make – from developing innovative health care solutions to creating more equitable societies – Converge can guide you every step of the way. And you don’t need any business experience to get started.  

 

Places on their programme – the only one of its kind in Scotland - are highly sought after with an application deadline of 2 April 2025.

 

Find out more at convergechallenge.com

The UWS Ignite Innovation Fund is a one-off funding opportunity designed to support UWS students and staff in taking their first steps towards developing an innovative idea for an enterprise. This competitive fund is aimed at the earliest stages of company creation and business development, providing financial support to help refine and test business ideas.

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With the backing of Converge and funded by the Scottish Government, this competition offers participants the chance to access funding and expert mentorship, helping to turn ideas into viable businesses. No prior business experience is necessary—only a strong idea and the willingness to learn.

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Competition Requirements

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• Submit application form (Completed by Monday 17th March, 5pm)

• Prepare a 3-minute video pitch on your business (Submitted by Monday 24th March, 5pm)

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Competition Key Details

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• Deadline for applications: Monday 17th March, 5pm.

• Video Submission Date: Monday 24th March, 5pm.

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*Please note that there will be a Converge event either 20th, 25th March or 1st April that you may be expected to attend.

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Application & Selection Process

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Applicants must clearly outline:

• The core idea – What problem does it solve? What makes it unique?

• How the funding will be used – A budget and spending plan.

• A realistic timeline – Key milestones for development.

• The long-term potential – How could this idea grow beyond the funding period?

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What Kind of Ideas Can Be Funded?

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Your enterprise idea can take a variety of forms, including but not limited to:

• A Social Enterprise – A business that prioritises social impact over profit.

• A Not-for-Profit/Charity – Organisations focused on benefiting the wider community.

• A Commercial Enterprise – A profit-driven business with innovative potential.

 

This fund is designed for extra-curricular projects and cannot be used for coursework or academic research projects.

 

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Competition Prizes

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Three awards of allocated as follows;

• 1st placed submission – £2500

• 2nd placed submission – £1500

• 3rd placed submission - £1000

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In addition to funding, winners will receive mentoring and business development support through UWS Enterprise initiatives after the competition.

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*Please note that if you are a staff member, that staff prizes are paid in salary and may be tax deductible.

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How to Apply

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Application Submission  Online Application Form.

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Video Submission: Send video pitch to enterprise@uws.ac.uk.with your full name, email address and video. Please add the video as attachment or send over a link video on OneDrive or Youtube that we can access.

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Application Support: Contact our team at enterprise@uws.ac.uk.

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Competition Requirements: All applicants will be required to do a 2-minute video pitch on their business. Details are above.

 

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Eligibility Criteria

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Funding can be used for:

• Seed funding for early-stage ideas or business concepts.

• Prototyping an idea, service, or product (including marketing, branding, or research).

• Supporting start-up costs (e.g. registering a business, building a website, or running test events).

• Attending industry training, networking events, or trade fairs that enhance your idea.

• Developing a prototype to test market potential.

• Covering your time and expertise in developing the project.

 

Funding cannot be used for:

• Coursework-related activities.

• Already registered companies.

• Retrospective costs for completed projects.

• Large-scale equipment purchases (e.g. laptops, vehicles etc.).

• Rent, living expenses, or personal subsistence.

• Debt repayment or business consultancy fees.

• Membership fees for professional bodies or tuition fees.

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Student Visa Holders – Important Considerations

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If you hold a Student Visa, you are eligible to apply; however, there are restrictions on self-employment and trading activities under UK Home Office rules.

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You can use the fund for:

• Pre-trading activities, such as research, training, business planning, mentorship, or attending events.

• Developing a business idea that could later qualify for a Start-up Visa or other entrepreneurship-related visas.

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However, the fund cannot be used for:

• Engaging in paid entertainment work.

• Undertaking activities classified as self-employment beyond the "pre-trading" phase.

• If unsure, please contact UWS International Student Support for guidance before applying.

• Fair Pay & Project Planning

 

We strongly encourage applicants to pay themselves and their collaborators fairly for time spent on the project. The Real Living Wage or industry-standard union rates should be used where possible.

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Given the limited size of the award, we recommend structuring your project in phases or focusing on key areas to ensure sustainability and fair payment.

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Data Privacy: By applying, you agree to UWS’s data protection policies. A full privacy notice is available here.