In 2023 Santander Universities is once again running an open call for applications to the Santander X UK Awards. The competition is open to University startups from any UK university.
There are two categories:
- University (for university-linked new businesses looking to launch))
- Startup (for growing businesses ready to scale)
Traditionally this is a competition for university entrepreneurs, but this year applications in the Startup category have been extended to include all UK businesses.
100 businesses (65 in the University category and 35 in the Startup category) will be shortlisted by 20 October. These businesses will join a two-day business bootcamp with expert-led sessions, networking, and pitch support. Following the bootcamp, all 100 candidates will pitch their business during Global Entrepreneurship week (13 – 17 November), where 12 finalists will be selected. The finalists will then pitch live at the National Final in London in December to a high-profile panel of judges, including Mike Regnier, Santander UK Chief Executive and William Vereker, Santander UK Chairman.
There will be six winners overall (3 per category), who will win up to £25,000 funding and automatically progress to the Santander X Global Award, the bank’s international entrepreneurship competition where they will have the opportunity to compete against the best early-stage startups from across Europe and Latin America in Spring 2024.
Deadline for applications: Wednesday 13 September
Apply here: Santander X UK Awards 2023
In 2022 a Goldsmiths student’s business Dar el Lina was one of the 100 businesses selected for the Santander X UK competition. So definitely think about applying.
If you would like some support with your 2023 application please book an Enterprise Appointment via CareerSPACE or email student-awards (@gold.ac.uk) We are available throughout the summer break and are here to provide you with support.