On Thursday 5 February 2026, Brunel University of London came alive with innovation, ambition and bold ideas as students, graduates, and guests gathered to #BeInspired for Brunel Entrepreneurs 2026 - our annual showcase celebrating entrepreneurship across the Brunel community.
Joined by over 100 attendees, this year’s theme, “Breaking the Mould: The Unconventional Entrepreneur” explored what it really means to carve your own path in today’s fast-moving world. From health-tech pioneers to fintech innovators, the evening highlighted diverse journeys, unexpected career pivots and the resilience it takes to succeed.
The evening opened with an electrifying keynote from Mia Collins, 2025 BBC Apprentice contestant and founder of MiMeals. Sharing insights from competing head-to-head for investment from Lord Alan Sugar, Mia spoke candidly about self-belief, resilience under pressure and the power of backing yourself - especially when others doubt you.
An entrepreneur, cyber-security professional and amateur bodybuilder, Mia’s journey embodies the spirit of breaking the mould. Her message was clear: unconventional paths often lead to extraordinary outcomes.
The keynote was followed by a dynamic panel discussion facilitated by Andrew Mossop, founder of The Training Ground and experienced start-up mentor. The conversation brought together Brunel entrepreneurs from diverse disciplines, each offering unique perspectives shaped by their backgrounds and industries.
Meet the Panellists:
From building AI-powered financial education platforms to innovating sustainable burn treatments, the panel explored themes including:
The interactive Q&A gave attendees the chance to dive deeper, ask honest questions and gain practical advice on funding, resilience and building impact-driven ventures.
The space then transformed into a buzzing exhibition showcasing some of Brunel’s most exciting student and graduate start-ups.
Attendees had the opportunity to meet and engage directly with founders, explore product demonstrations and hear firsthand about the journeys behind each venture.
Exhibitors Included:
From health-tech hardware transforming video communication to adaptive AI teaching personal finance through gamified simulations, the diversity of innovation on display reflected the strength and creativity of the Brunel entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Beyond the talks and exhibitions, Brunel Entrepreneurs 2026 was a celebration of connection. Over free refreshments and plenty of pizza, students and graduates networked with like-minded peers, mentors and budding founders - sparking new ideas, collaborations and friendships.
The energy in the room was a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship at Brunel isn’t confined to one discipline, one background, or one way of thinking. It’s about courage, curiosity and community.
Brunel Entrepreneurs 2026 demonstrated that the most exciting ventures often come from those willing to challenge convention. Whether through innovative healthcare solutions, cutting-edge fintech, or reimagined digital communication, this year’s speakers and exhibitors showed that breaking the mould is not just a theme - it’s a mindset.
If you missed it, make sure #BeInspired: Brunel Entrepreneurs is firmly in your calendar for 2027 – we're already so excited for the next one.
Because the future belongs to those bold enough to shape it!