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For the pitching day, we had three local business and enterprise specialists on the panel to select the winners of the awards. Their valuable expertise helped when identifying high-growth potential and far-reaching impact within the various industries.

Our thanks goes to:

Fran Ferris, co-founder of Mantle and FreePhone

“The event really showcased the wealth of entrepreneurial talent and potential coming out of ��«Ӱҵ University and the Emerge programme. The quality of the applicants was exceptional, and the standard of the presentations was very high indeed. The Emerge Programme is hugely important for these new businesses and for the wider city; it’s enabling ��«Ӱҵ to really position itself as the best place in the North to start and grow a business.”

Mike Stephens, CEO of Entrepreneurial Spark

“It was fantastic to see the diligence of the student entrepreneurs pitching at the Emerge final. The ideas were well researched and presented, with some huge potential for real-world impact.”

Pete Mylon, University of ��«Ӱҵ teacher and Academic lead of iForge Makerspace.

“It was fantastic to be a part of the Emerge: Be enterprising pitching competition day. I was really blown away by both the range of innovative ideas and the passionate, articulate people behind them! Well done to all the finalists and to the Emerge team for nurturing such an impressive group.”

The finalists included:

Sustainability Venture of the Year

A venture that prioritises sustainability and the environment through a product and/or service that has a minimal impact on the planet.

Community Venture of the Year

A venture that gives back to people, enriches communities and makes a contribution to society.

Enterprising Project of the Year

A non-commercial initiative, that has the potential to become a viable innovative start-up.

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Start-up of the Year

A commercial business that is delivering tangible results to customers through an innovative product or service.