Student opportunities
Enterprise and business start-up opportunities
Being enterprising is not necessarily about starting your own business. It’s the ability to turn ideas and opportunities into actions. This could be through your university course, future workplace, or socially making an impact. Creative thinking, problem solving, influencing, leadership, negotiation, resilience (to name a few!) are all skills that you can develop to channel in a way that is important to you!
Here are some opportunities outside of your course that will allow you to develop your entrepreneurial skills.
Entrepreneurship bootcamp (funded by Solent) - apply by 18 February 2023
Three-week entrepreneurship bootcamp in sunny Portugal
Learn how to launch a start-up in 15 days!
The European Innovation Academy is a three-week study abroad programme all about entrepreneurship and innovation. A chance to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, build your business skills and do something that will help you to stand out in a competitive world.
Solent students will be able to come together with hundreds of students from the world’s top universities to work together to create a start-up. You will work in teams with access to mentors and like-minded people from around the world to go from an idea, to building a prototype, to delivering a pitch…. And the investors are REAL!
We are looking for students who:
- Have an idea that you would like to make a reality (desirable, but not essential)
- Would like to start a business in the future
- Have a passion for solving market-based problems
- Want to experience and learn first-hand how to take an idea to start-up stage within 15 days
- Would like to work in teams with other students from universities all over the world
- Like the idea of being immersed in three weeks of innovation and experiential learning
- Have an interest in taking on a role during the three-week programme within their team including roles such as business development, marketing, software development, design.
Sound exciting? It gets better... we have funding available for a limited number of places, meaning you would just need to fund your food and any other minimal costs.
Terms and conditions at application stage
To apply, you must be a current student on a full-time course at Solent University and you be available and committed to going to Portugal to study the programme from the date range of 14 July – 6 August. The EIA programme will run from the 16 July – 4 August.
Find more information from EIA about the programme
You must apply using the 'apply now link' below not via the EIA website. In your application show your enthusiasm and suitability to this opportunity based on the “what we are looking for” criteria above.
Apply now
Deadline for applications: Midnight 18 February
Informal interview: 24 February or 27 February
Contact enterprise@solent.ac.uk with any questions or drop into Solent Creatives (JM109) to find out more/support with applying, between 9-5 or The Workshop (JM108) between 12.30-3.30.
Follow EIA on Instagram: eiainnovation
EIA website - https://www.inacademy.eu/portugal/ [DO NOT apply directly via this website, click on the Apply Now link above to apply.]
Enactus Society – Solent University
Enactus is a great way to make a difference within the community, advancing economic, social and environmental impact, whilst gaining some fantastic entrepreneurial employability and leadership skills which will be snapped up by future employers! All whilst having fun and gaining experience of a student-led social enterprise! Check out this video for more information:
It’s exciting times, as we are looking to recruit a brand-new team for academic year 22/23. If you are interested please email enterprise@solent.ac.uk for more information.
Solent competitions/opportunities
This page is where you will find any Solent enterprise competitions, so check back to find out what is going on throughout the year.
Global challenges
InnoCentive is the global innovation marketplace where creative minds solve some of the world's most important problems for cash awards up to $1 million. Commercial, governmental and humanitarian organizations engage with InnoCentive to solve problems that can impact humankind in areas ranging from the environment to medical advancements.
Opportunities for business start-ups
The organisations below have regular support programmes and opportunities to enter competitions to win funding for your business.
Southampton City Council - Solent Local Enterprise Council
If you would like any help with any of the opportunities above, please contact enterprise@solent.ac.uk