A StEP in the right direction

16th July 2024

OUI's StEP Ignite student entrepreneurship programme 2024

StEP Ignite, our month-long student entrepreneurship programme, is underway at OUI throughout July. Nine different teams made up of 27 total students have joined our Start-up Incubator to work on their business ideas – with projects ranging from a non-invasive malaria test and a cybersecurity risk management platform, to VR-based medical equipment training and a digital marketplace for African fashion suppliers.

The students are taking part in an intensive training programme to build a start-up in 30 days, with workshops delivered by skilled mentors on how to develop their ideas, identify their market, and pitch their businesses, as well as guest talks from seasoned entrepreneurs, industry specialists and investors. The programme will culminate at the end of the month with teams pitching to an expert panel for a cash prize – and once the programme ends, OUI will continue to support those teams that want to progress their businesses.

For the wider University community, the same training content is also offered over a 3-month period, which we call Phase 1. Teams are equipped with the necessary skills to test and refine their business propositions and encouraged to join our workspace to meet other teams on their entrepreneurial journey. Those that successfully complete Phase 1 are offered the opportunity to join Phase 2, where they receive further dedicated support.

Our next Incubator Phase 1 cohort will start in September 2024, with recruitment taking place over the summer.  Do you have an idea you would like to explore? Find out more on our website or fill in this short application form to apply now.

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