Startup Idea Competition
Share your business idea in a 250-word summary and a one-minute pitch video. Open to all Oxford, no experience needed. Cash prizes and follow-on support.
Delivered by EnSpire Oxford, the University of Oxford's entrepreneurship hub.
Programme Overview
The Startup Idea Competition encourages members of the University of Oxford community to articulate and share an early-stage business or entrepreneurial idea, gain recognition and funding for its potential, and take a first step towards developing it. It is open to all disciplines and experience levels.
Entrants share their idea in a short written summary and a one-minute pitch video — no business plan or prior experience required, just a clear idea and the drive to explore its potential. Entries are reviewed by a judging panel, with winners awarded cash prizes and recognition for their innovation and impact. All participants receive a digital certificate, along with opportunities to develop their ideas further through follow-on support and workshops.
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The competition is particularly suitable for Oxford students, researchers, staff and recent alumni who have an early-stage idea but have not yet developed a full business plan. It is especially beneficial for first-time founders, people from non-business disciplines, and those seeking a low-barrier opportunity to practise communicating an idea, receive recognition and begin exploring its potential.
The Startup Idea Competition is open to the University of Oxford community, including undergraduate students, postgraduates and DPhils, researchers and staff, and alumni.
No prior experience or business background is required.
The competition is application-based and open to University of Oxford undergraduate and postgraduate students, researchers, staff, and alumni within two years of graduation. Applicants submit both a 250-word written summary and a one-minute video pitch through an online form. No business plan, interview, invitation, prior entrepreneurial experience or business background is required. Entries are assessed by a judging panel, which selects the prize winners.
Dates the StartUp Idea Competition Opens and Closes in 2026/2027:
- Michaelmas Term: 12/10/2026 - 09/11/2026
- Hilary Term: 18/01/2027 - 22/02/2027
- Trinity Term: 26/04/2027 - 25/05/2027
Register via the link provided below.
For updates on upcoming Startup Idea Competition openings, please subscribe to EnSpire Newsletter or head to the What's On page for more information.
Submit your idea to the Startup Idea Competition!
One idea could win you backing, recognition and a first step forward.