Student Entrepreneurship Awards

Book your ticket to the 2026 Student Entrepreneurship Awards

Present your business at the Awards Expo

Completed a Student Startup programme this year? Nominate for an award!

Student Entrepreneurship Awards 2026

Join us to celebrate the achievements of student and graduate startup founders at the University of Exeter!

The SETsquared Exeter Student Startups team are delighted to welcome you to the 2026 Student Entrepreneurship Awards.

Join us to celebrate the achievements of our entrepreneurial students and graduates who have completed the Student Startups programmes this year.

The event will take place at the Innovation Centre, Streatham campus, on Wednesday 3 June 2026 from 4 - 7pm. The evening will include an awards ceremony, keynote talk, and a business expo featuring a range of student and graduate‑led ventures. Drinks and canapés will be served on arrival.

What you can expect from the event:

Drinks and nibbles

Keynote talk

Presentation of awards

Student business expo

Networking

Event timings:

Business Expo 4-5pm

Awards Ceremony 5-6pm

Networking 6-7pm

Dress code: smart casual

>> Book your ticket to the 2026 Awards here

Nominate for an award

Nominations for the 2026 Student Entrepreneurship Awards are now open!

Please submit your entry below to be considered for a Student Entrepreneurship Award. You can enter for no more than two award categories.

Categories:

Social Impact
Environment & Sustainability
Health & Wellbeing
Tech Innovation
Product Innovation

In order to enter for an award, you must have taken part in the Student Startups Programme during this academic year (Autumn Term 2025 or Spring Term 2026).

Nominations close on Sunday 3rd May. Nominations will be shortlisted by the Student Startups team and winners will be selected by an external panel. Shortlisted candidates will be notified by Friday 15th May.

All awards will be presented at the in-person Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 3rd June 4-7pm.

>> Submit your nomination here

Apply for a stand at the business expo

The 2026 awards event will feature a student business expo in the the Innovation Centre café, showcasing a range of successful student and graduate businesses.

If you are a student or graduate with a business you would like to showcase with a stand at the expo, please email studentstartups@exeter.ac.uk with a brief description of your business and what you will showcase on your stand. This could include a product or prototype, tech demo, marketing materials, or interactive activity relating to your venture.

Showcasing at the expo is a great opportunity to share your business with students, staff and external guests, collect feedback, gain contacts and add valuable experience for your CV!