Students Get Stuck in at the Student Startup Challenge

Student Enterprise’s Student Startup Challenge 2025 took place from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 November, bringing together a record number of aspiring startup entrepreneurs for a weekend of innovation, collaboration, and creativity. Hosted at the Student Enterprise Junction, City Centre Campus, the three-day event guided students through the exhilarating process of launching a startup – from ideation to pitch – in just one weekend!

Run by the Student Enterprise Team in collaboration with Fish on Toast, the University’s Entrepreneurship Society, the event offered participants the chance to learn from experienced mentors, brainstorm and refine business ideas, and compete for the coveted Student Startup Challenge Trophy and a £500 grand prize!

The weekend kicked off with a lively ideation session where teams got the chance to create and pitch the ideas they would be working on for the rest of the weekend. The evening concluded with a startup social hosted by Fish on Toast, giving students the opportunity to relax and get to know each other before getting stuck into the process of working on their startups.

Throughout the weekend, students worked on their startup ideas under the expert guidance of the Student Enterprise Team and business professionals, developing innovative, customer-focused business concepts ready to pitch to a panel of expert judges.

This year’s judging panel featured Lloyd Attrill, founder of The Pickleball Store; Steven Northam, serial entrepreneur and inspirational speaker; and Sean Larsen, founder of Labl.it.

The Challenge culminated in an exciting pitching session, where teams showcased their ideas to the judges, demonstrating creativity, commercial potential, and teamwork. Alumni and past participants who have gone on to build their own ventures returned to offer encouragement and advice, fostering a sense of community and inspiration among University of Southampton’s growing network of student entrepreneurs.

This year’s winning team was, Project Eden. The judges commended them on their imagination and ability to identify and address problems in the near future. They walk away with the £500 grand prize and their team name immortalised on the coveted Student Startup Challenge trophy! A huge congratulations to everyone that took part over the weekend, it was great to see so much collaboration and strategic thinking taking place and the hard work and dedication showed by everyone was admirable.

The success of the 2025 Student Startup Challenge reflects the University’s ongoing commitment to developing the next generation of business leaders. By combining practical, hands-on learning with expert mentorship, the event once again proved why entrepreneurship at Southampton continues to thrive.

Want to be at the next Student Enterprise event? There’s loads to get involved in!

Have a look at our brand new Student Enterprise workshop series or check out the social impact lab webpage. You can also sign up to our mailing list so that you never miss an event or announcement!