University of Southampton showcases innovative student startups at foundership event
The University of Southampton will host an event on Wednesday, 23rd October, to present seven student-founded businesses that have received funding and support to develop their ideas.
The showcase will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Sir James Matthews building on the university’s city campus.
The participants, who were each awarded £3,000 in funding and office space at the University’s new Student Enterprise Junction, spent 12 weeks developing their businesses. They received dedicated mentoring to help them accelerate their ideas.
Among the businesses featured are a classical music composer, an app developer, and creators of AI-driven bid automation software and protein gummy bears for athletes.
Megan Gillett, a music undergraduate, has completed her first album and has been commissioned by an award-winning producer to create the soundtrack for a short film.
Economics & Finance student Jamie Horsnell and Business Management student Sam Aaron, founders of mytender.io, have developed AI-driven bid automation software that has secured investment to grow its client base.
Lois Brewer, creator of Snowy’s Maps, which provides battle maps and session supplements for the tabletop role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons, has funded four successful crowdfunding campaigns and built a following of over 1.5k online.
Thomas Simmonds, Head of Student Enterprise & Events at the University of Southampton, said:
“Our mission is to inspire, support, and connect the next generation of entrepreneurs. This year’s cohort of businesses has been incredibly impressive, showcasing a wide array of innovative ideas and diverse perspectives. What excites me most about Student Enterprise is that we offer students the time, resources, and dedicated space to take their ideas seriously, experiment, and explore just how far they can go.”
The businesses that will be showcased include:
Megan Gillett, freelance music composer
Jamie Horsnell and Sam Aaron, founders of mytender.io, an AI-powered bid automation platform
Lois Brewer, creator of Snowy’s Maps, specialising in battlemaps and supplements for tabletop gaming
Benjain Hopcraft and Patrick Sturrock, founders of The Ripped Bear, makers of protein gummies
Britannio Jarrett, an app developer
Rebecca Hamilton, founder of Body Freedom with Becca, offering sports massage therapy and yoga
Emma Boxley, founder of Supple Health, a digital health platform
Speaking about the Student Enterprise programme, Megan Gillett said,
“The Foundership Scheme has been one of those amazing experiences that I will benefit from for years to come. Not only has it been invaluable in getting my composition business off the ground, but I have developed equally as much in all areas of my professional life.”
Emma Boxley, founder of Supple Health, said:
“Being a part of the Student Enterprise has been brilliant and so useful in terms of meeting other, like-minded people who are similarly driven. It has really helped us to grow the mix of skills you need to launch a successful business.”
The University of Southampton’s Student Enterprise Team provides students and recent graduates with the support, skills, and funding they need to launch their businesses.
The programme is part of the university’s broader entrepreneurial ecosystem, which includes the startup accelerator Future Worlds, SETsquared, the Social Impact Lab, and the University of Southampton Science Park.
This showcase event is held in collaboration with Venturefest South, which promotes innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.
