University of Kent Big Ideas Competition
Entry Form
CONFIDENTIAL
ELIGIBILITY
Only full-time, university students are eligible to participate in the Big Ideas Competition. Students can submit
entries individually or work in teams. There is no limit to the size of your team, however only 3 members will be
able to take part in the Global Business Challenge in Virginia, USA. Business ideas may come from any sector
including social enterprise. More than one entry can be submitted by a team or individual. The team selected to
travel to the USA must ensure all team members are eligible to travel to the US.
All entrants will receive 15 Employability Points.
What will the judges be looking for?
The judges will be looking for you to demonstrate
 a good understanding of the market for your idea
 the potential for profitability and high growth
 products or services that will have a sustainable competitive advantage
 a viable plan for launching the idea
 a team that has the potential to make the idea work
DEADLINE
Competition opens 1st February 2013.
Please email your completed entry form to [email protected]. Entries must be received by Midnight on 8th
March 2013.
Six teams will be shortlisted and notified by Friday 14th March 2013.
The six shortlisted teams will present their ideas to a panel of business judges on Thursday 21st March 2013. Put
this date in your diary and make sure you are available.
The overall winners will be selected and notified by Monday 25th March 2013.
The Global Business Challenge will take place between the 18th and 24th August 2013 so team members must be
available at these times and eligible to travel to the USA.
PRIZES
PRIZE - A trip to USA to represent the University of Kent in the 'Global Business Concept Challenge' - all
expenses paid for!
One winning team will be selected to represent the University of Kent in the prestigious 'Global Business Concept
Challenge' in Virginia, USA, during the week of 18th-24th August 2013 with the chance to win up to $25,000!
$25,000 Prize
In addition to taking home the VT KnowledgeWorks Challenge Trophy, the winning team will be awarded a
$25,000 cash prize! The top two runners-up will receive $2,500 cash awards.
The contest finals are part of a week-long celebration of student entrepreneurship. While in Blacksburg, the
teams will be housed with local families, spend interactive time with successful technology companies, enjoy
fellowship with Virginia Tech students, and join the regional technology council for its annual gala dinner and
technology exposition. http://www.vtkwglobal.com/
PRIZE - A cash prize of £500, your own rent free office in the Kent Enterprise Hub and a business mentor from
Santander!
One student or winning team will be selected who really want to take their idea forward and set up a company.
To help realise this ambition, you will receive a cash prize of £500 to help with start up costs, your own office in
the Kent Enterprise Hub, all rents paid for one year and a business mentor form Santander Bank!
For details and information please contact Rachel Elcombe on 01227 823263 or email [email protected]
Application form must be no longer than 4 pages in total
Lead applicant
Name
Degree
Email
Telephone
Team Name
The Pitch (300 words – no more –
no less!)
In 300 word write a pitch that includes
the essence of your business concept
and includes the following key points.
1) the product description (and the
problem it solves)
2) the market for your product (who will
buy it)
3) your marketing strategy (how you will
market it), and
4) the ‘raise’ (how much financing you
need, how you will get it and the
expected return on investment.)
The Market
How big is the market for your product
or service? Who is your target customer?
How will you sell your product or service
to them?
The Product or Service
Describe your new product or service -how is it unique or different?
Competitors
What competition exists for your new
product or service? What gives your
product or service an advantage?
Team member (min team
size 2)
Team Member (max team size
3)
Profit Potential
A brief description of your set up costs,
prices, sales projections. How will you be
able to supply the product or service
profitably?
Unique Selling Point
Why will the judges be convinced by your
idea and enthusiasm – judges should
hopefully read your summary and think
‘why hasn’t someone thought of this
before?
Please email your completed entry form to [email protected]. Entries must be received by Midnight on 8th
March 2013. Late entries will not be accepted.