Ready, Set, Pitch!

Hello, future innovators! Got a brilliant business idea? Why not share it with our panel and potentially win a prize?

What is Ready, Set, Pitch?

Calling all UoM students with entrepreneurial dreams! Whether you're itching to start a business, kickstart a social enterprise, or launch an impactful project, Ready, Set, Pitch! is your golden ticket. It's a fantastic opportunity for budding entrepreneurs like you to showcase your ideas and get a taste of the startup world. Plus, it's a great way to refine those pitching skills and get some helpful feedback to turbocharge your startup journey!

You'll have an action-packed 3 minutes to impress our panel of judges with your idea, followed by a quick chat to dive deeper. We're giving away prizes up to £1,000 per event to the most dazzling pitches! Each event spotlights 5 to 10 of the most promising pitches.  

Don't worry about going solo - your presentation will be backed up by a Pitch Deck. It's your chance to showcase your business goals and highlight that market opportunity.

Who is it for? Those at an early stage of their startup journey with a clear business idea.

You must prepare a Pitch Deck, which is to be included in your application - it's not as scary as it sounds! Open to all students, but if you've been part of our Ideas Lab or Get Started (starts in January 2025) programmes, you're already one step ahead. These programmes help you polish your business idea and craft that perfect Pitch Deck.

What you'll gain:

• Boost your confidence and get better at explaining your awesome idea, a very useful life skill in any field - plus get valuable tips from our panel of judges.
• Join a fun and supportive community of fellow UoM students and entrepreneurs who are just as excited about startups as you are.
• Get your hands on our helpful Pitching Resource Pack - it's like a treasure map to guide you from idea to successful startup launch.

Why join?

• Dive into the exciting world of entrepreneurship.
• Hone your pitching skills, boost your confidence, and gain valuable insights on crafting your early-stage Business Pitch Deck and advancing your venture.
• Opportunity to win prizes of up to £1,000 per event.*
• 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.

*Please note: Individuals who have previously received awards from Kickstarter, the Venture Further Awards, or the Eli and Britt Harari Enterprise Award are welcome to apply and pitch, but are not eligible for cash prizes in this competition.

Who can apply?

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

 

What is the application process?

Just fill out our quick online form and attach your Pitch Deck (you'll find the 'Important Links' box above).

Your Pitch Deck is your chance to shine, so keep it short and sweet - no more than 6 slides. These must show us a:

• Clearly articulated problem
• Your solution
• Market opportunity
• Value proposition
• Your Team
• and your exciting next steps and actions

It's like telling a story, but about your brilliant business idea!

 

Key Dates

• Ready Set Pitch! Next Event – Wednesday, 2nd April 2025
• Deadline for applications: Midnight on Thursday 27th March 2025

Pitches are in-person, on campus.