Ideas Take Flight

CUE’s main events are the £100, £2k and £10k competitions. From ‘just an idea’ to ‘we’re ready to scale’, our competitions and accompanying mentorship aim to guide you towards creating a commercially viable company - regardless of whether you win.

The competitions are open to individuals and teams from three categories: ‘Software’, ‘Social Enterprise’ and ‘Science and Technology’. Entering the 2k and 10k competitions is not dependent on any of the previous competitions. For detailed rules, see: Competition Handbook 2018/2019.

£100

"Write 100 words and convince our judges that your idea has legs"

It’s simple: pitch your business idea to us in less than 100 words. The challenge here is to convey the defining points of your idea in just one paragraph. The judges are looking for domain knowledge, market niches and competitive advantages. There is no limit to the number of entries or prizes per person.

 

Deadline: 18th November 2018, 11:59pm

No. prizes: 10

 

£2k

"Choose a category, complete a business canvas and present to our judges "

The business canvas will force you to answer key questions like: ‘Where is your revenue from?’, ‘Who is on your team and why?’ and ‘What metrics will you use?’.

You are also encouraged to clearly identify your market niche, make rigorous, quantitative comments and display a self-critical attitude.

A demo or evidence of existing traction will give you a big advantage.

 

Deadline: 3rd February 2019, 11:59pm

Presentation to judges: 26th-28th Feb 2018

Winners announced: 1st March 2019

No. prizes: 3

£10k

"Do everything from the £2k, create a demo poster and start the company!"

Depending on the category, the demo poster should be a concise summary of either: a working prototype, commercialisation-ready research or substantial customer engagement. 

At the CUE Grand Finale, three winners will present their businesses to potential investors and every entrant will have the opportunity to showcase at the event’s poster session.

 

Deadline: 7th April 2019, 11.59pm

Presentation to judges: 1st-3rd May 2018

Winners announced: 8th May 2018

No. prizes: 3

CUE has returned for the 2022-2023 academic year!


Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Calling for the Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2017/18

 

The Young Entrepreneur of the Year track is aimed at identifying those individuals who demonstrate the ambition, determination and vision to pursue the lifelong journey of becoming an entrepreneur. The winners may or may not have the best current business idea or be able to craft a “textbook” business plan but they will demonstrate the key fundamentals.

Winners will receive £2,500 along with a certificate, access to a select network, mentoring, and an apprenticeship opportunity. It is expected that the winners will make the time to participate in all stages of the CUE 2018/19 business plan competition as well as attend the three Young Entrepreneur of the Year workshops.

Submissions to: sehaj.chawla@cue.org.uk. 

YEOTY Workshop i/II resources

Workshop I - Introduction

Workshop I - Dos and Don'ts

Workshop I - Elevator Pitch

Workshop I - Application and Questions

Workshop II - Logolab.ai Marketing Plan Case Study

Workshop II - Bidinder Marketing Plan Case Study

Workshop II - Con-sussed Marketing Plan Case Study

Workship II - Slides