Ideas Lab

Do you want to begin your entrepreneurial journey? Generate and refine your idea, whilst building networks and confidence.

What is Ideas Lab?

Are you a UoM student with an interest in starting your own business, social enterprise or impactful project? Whether you already have a game-changing idea, have too many ideas and are not sure which should be prioritised, or are struggling with the idea-generation process, Ideas Lab is for you.

The interactive programme will help you to generate a commercially viable idea, start to refine it and learn to pitch, with the opportunity to win prizes. It is perfect for those at the very beginning of their entrepreneurial journey.

If the multiweek programme does not fit with your schedule, we have you covered. Throughout the year we will also be running intensive Bootcamps, which compress all the same content, activities and pitching into a single day.

Who is it for? Those at the very beginning of their startup journey. There are no prerequisites, other than having an interest in entrepreneurship. Suitable for those with and without a business idea.

 

What you'll gain:

• Knowhow and application of tools and frameworks to generate, refine and test business ideas
• Expert advice from the MEC Team on market trends and opportunities
• Confidence in communicating your idea and pitching practice
• Access to a thriving community of fellow UoM students and entrepreneurs  
• An Ideas Lab Resource Pack to help you take your idea forward and launch a startup

Why join?

• Take the leap into the world of enterprise
• Sharpen your enterprise skills and produce an early-stage Business Pitch Deck
• Opportunity to enter MEC’s Pitching Competition, with prizes of up to £1,000
• Participation is an excellent foundation for enrolling in one of our more advanced startup programmes, applying for a Kickstarter Award and/or competing in either of our annual flagship competitions: the Venture Further Awards, and the Eli and Britt Harari Enterprise Award.

Your Startup Journey Begins Here!

 

Who can apply?

Any current student at the University of Manchester (UG, Master’s/PGT, PGR/PhD).

 

What is the application process?

To participate, you will register for the programme via a form (see the 'Important Links' box above).

 

Key Dates

Ideas Lab will launch in Semester 1 of 2024/25.

The key dates are as follows:

Activity	Date
Session 1: Creating Ideas	Wednesday, 23rd October 2024
Session 2: Making Ideas Work	Wednesday, 6th November 2024
Session 3: Pitching Workshop	Tuesday, 12th November 2024
Pitching Panel	Wednesday, 20th November 2024