Big Ideas CompetitionEntry Form 2015

ELIGIBILITY

Only University of Kent students are eligible to participate in the Big Ideas competition. Students can submit entries individually or work in teams.There is no limit to the size of your team, however only three members will be able to take part in the Global Business Challenge in Blacksburg, Virginia, USA. Business ideas may come from any sector, including social enterprise. More than one entry can be submitted by a team or individual. The team selected to travel to the USA must ensure all team members are eligible to travel to the US.

All entrants will receive 15 Employability Points per entry, plus an additional 15 points for each successful round.

What will the judges be looking for?

The judges will be looking for you to demonstrate the following:

  • good understanding of the market for your idea
  • potential for profitability and high growth
  • products or services that will have a sustainable competitive advantage
  • a viable plan for launching the idea
  • a team that has the potential to make the idea work

DEADLINES

January 19th 2015 / Big Ideas Competition opens.
February 27th 2015 / Please email your completed entry form to . Entries must be received by Midnight. All entries are confidential.
March 4th 2015 / Applications that make it into the second round will be asked to produce a 60 second elevator pitch video.
March 13th 2015 / 6-8 entries will be selected to participate in the final round and asked to prepare a presentation.
March 25-27th 2015 / Shortlisted entries will present their ideas to a panel of business judges.
April 3rd 2015 / The overall winners will be selected and notified
August 16-22nd 2015 / The ‘Global Business Concept Challenge’ will take place between these dates, so team members must be available at these times and eligible to travel to the USA.

Make sure you put these following dates in your diary:
PRIZES

Win: - A trip to USA to represent the University of Kent in the 'Global Business Concept Challenge' - all expenses paid for!

One winning team will be selected to represent the University of Kent in the prestigious 'Global Business Concept Challenge' in Blacksburg, Virginia, USA, during the week of 16th-22nd August 2015 with the chance to win up to $25,000!

$25,000 Prize - In addition to taking home the VT KnowledgeWorks Challenge Trophy, the winning team will be awarded a $25,000 cash prize! The top two runners-up will receive $5,000 cash awards.

The contest finals are part of a week-long celebration of student entrepreneurship. While in Blacksburg, the teams will be housed with local families, spend interactive time with successful technology companies, enjoy fellowship with Virginia Tech students, and join the regional technology council for its annual gala dinner and technology exposition.

Win: - A cash prize of £1,000, your own rent free office in the Kent Enterprise Hub and a business mentor from Santander!

The £1,000 prize will enable the winner(s) to take their idea forward and set up a company. It will also enable you to have your own office in the Kent Enterprise Hub, all rents paid for one year, as well as having access to a business mentor from Santander Bank.

For details and information please visit contact the Student Enterprise Assistant on 01227 823263 or email
COMPETITION ENTRY FORM

Please complete the following form in 1000 words or less.

Please tick as applicable:
I am just submitting an idea
I have a full business concept / Please tick the applicable box:
Individual Entry
Team Entry
Lead applicant / Team member2 / Team member3 (Maximum size)
Name
Degree
Email
Telephone
Name of product/service/idea(if applicable)
The Pitch
Write a pitch of no more than 300 words, which includes your business concept and the following key points:
1) The product description (and the problem it solves).
2) The market for your product (who will buy it).
3) Your marketing strategy (how you will market it).
4) The ‘raise’ (how much financing you need, how you will get it and the expected return on investment).
The Market
How big is the market for your product or service? Who is your target customer? How will you sell your product or service to them?
The Product or Service
Describe your new product or service - how is it unique or different?
Competitors
What competition exists for your new product or service? What gives your product or service an advantage?
Profit Potential
A brief description of your set up costs, prices, sales projections. How will you be able to supply the product or service profitably?
Unique Selling Point (USP)
Why will the judges be convinced by your idea and enthusiasm – judges should hopefully read your summary and think ‘why hasn’t someone thought of this before?’

 Please email your completed entry form to by no later thanmidnight 27th February 2015. Late entries will not be accepted.