University of Portsmouth Enterprise Showcase Celebrates Rising Business Stars
The University of Portsmouth rolled out the red carpet for its entrepreneurial heroes at the annual Enterprise Showcase. Students, staff, and graduates took centre stage to flaunt their start-up success stories to top names from business and academia.
Start-Up Stars Shine Bright
A bustling exhibition kicked off the event, spotlighting the best new ventures from young entrepreneurs and alumni. The main awards ceremony at the Portland Building saw 150 guests cheering on eight standout winners who’ve made waves in the business world.
JustFastFood, created by Kunle Adetayo, scooped the coveted Student and Graduate Start-up of the Year award. Kunle’s on-demand fast food delivery platform has grown at lightning speed, earning him a spot on one of Europe’s hottest enterprise accelerators and attracting major investment.
“I’m so happy to have won Start-up of the Year. I’ve had amazing support from the University’s Enterprise Team – without them, JustFastFood wouldn’t be where it is today. We’re working hard and it’s brilliant to celebrate our success,” Kunle said.
He walked away with over £1,000 worth of business support courtesy of local companies, boosting his firm’s growth even further.
Meet the Other Winners
- Route to Start-up Standout Student: Morgan Makale (Auctus Grad)
- Self-Employment Placement Standout Students: Tristan Bampton, Scott Davis, Martin Mitev, Oliver Thauerer, Matthew Evans, Matthew Whitby (Broken Earth Games Studio)
- Social Start-up Award: Nikolas Pachipis, SolarLife
- Santander Start-up Funding Award: Hannah Mitchell (Hayze Lingerie)
- Student and Graduate Entrepreneurial Spirit of the Year: Howard Wimshurst
- Staff Entrepreneurial Spirit of the Year: Dan McCabe, Faculty of Creative & Cultural Arts
Alumni Shine with Inkpact
The Alumni Recognition Award was handed to Andrew Martin, a 2014 creative arts graduate and co-founder of Inkpact. The firm specialises in handwritten marketing, making waves in direct marketing. Andrew also wowed the crowd as a keynote speaker.
Portsmouth’s Bright Business Future
Philip Ely, Enterprise Manager at the University, said:
“Portsmouth is fast becoming a hotspot for start-ups. Our students and graduates brim with brilliant ideas and ambition. Events like this showcase put our city’s innovative talent on the national map.”
Want to join the enterprise action? Email [email protected] or visit www.nest.community for more info on student business support at the University of Portsmouth.
