Got a smart idea to make the world better? Win £100 just for telling us about it.

We’re giving away 100 cash prizes of £100 to students with ideas that could help people or the planet. It doesn’t need to be polished or ready to go — we just want to hear what you’re thinking!

We’re talking new and exciting ideas, whether they could transform the world, make a significant impact, or solve a problem you’re passionate about. 100 Big Ideas is open to all current students of the University of Southampton, no matter your subject area or year of study.

Think ideas for change. Think ideas for action. Think BIG.

Applications open: Thursday 4 September

Want help coming up with an idea?

Sign up to our mailing list for tips and hints on how to ideate, and for details on upcoming events.

Top Tips and FAQs:

• Don’t Overthink It: The competition is meant to be fun and engaging. Even unconventional ideas could win, but you have to enter to win!
• When will I Receive My £100? We aim to pay you as soon as we can. Ensure your Student Payment details are updated for a smooth transaction.
• Concerned About Idea Theft? We are committed to protecting your idea. You can choose what information is public and what remains confidential.
• Can I Enter More Than Once? Yes, you’re encouraged to submit as many ideas as you like!
• Can I Enter as a Team? Yes, you can collaborate with other students, but there is only one cash prize per winning idea.
• We don’t have ownership of your idea – we’re here to support you!

Submit your BIG idea today and be part of something extraordinary!

Tips for Generating Amazing Ideas: 

If you’re looking for assistance in brainstorming or refining your idea, we offer several resources to support you:

• Define Your Problem or Goal: Clearly outline the issue you want to address or the objective you aim to achieve. A focused goal will guide your creative process.
• Research and Gather Information: Collect information through reading, surveys, and expert consultations. The more you understand, the more informed your ideas will be.
• Brainstorm: Generate as many ideas as possible, without judging their feasibility at first. This can be done individually or in a group setting.
• Mind Mapping: Create a visual map of your thoughts, starting with a central concept and branching out with related ideas. This helps uncover connections and new possibilities.
• Analogous Thinking: Draw parallels from unrelated fields to inspire innovative solutions for your problem.
• Reverse Thinking: Approach the problem from a different angle by considering how to make it worse. Reverse these ideas to find potential solutions.
• Introduce Constraints: Adding limitations can spur creativity by forcing you to think outside the box.
• Collaborate and Seek Feedback: Share your ideas with others and refine them based on feedback. Collaboration often leads to stronger concepts.
• Prototype and Experiment: Test small-scale versions of your ideas to see what works. Prototyping helps you learn and adapt.
• Take Breaks: Sometimes, ideas come when you’re not actively thinking about them. Relax and engage in other activities to let your mind wander.
• Learn from Others: Study successful innovations and creative thinkers. Apply similar principles to your own ideas.
• Iterate and Refine: Be prepared to improve your ideas over time. Continuous refinement leads to stronger concepts.

Remember, creativity is a skill that grows with practice. Embrace the process, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks—they are often part of the journey to great ideas.