On Tuesday 28 July, we held our online Brunel Pitch-Off event, marking the exciting conclusion of our eight-week Summer Incubator Programme.
Twelve of our most promising student entrepreneurs took part in the event, representing 10 innovative ventures. Each team delivered a 90-second elevator pitch, followed by a three-minute Q&A with a panel of judges, competing for a share of the £6,500 prize fund.
After spending the summer refining their business ideas, developing their entrepreneurial skills, and applying their knowledge through a programme of one-to-one and group mentoring sessions with our specialist mentors, the cohort was ready to showcase their progress at the online pitching event.
Judging panel
The judging panel comprised mentors from the Summer Incubator Programme.
Internal judges
External judges
All of the ventures delivered outstanding elevator pitches and performed equally well during the Q&A session, leaving our judges and external guests highly impressed. The progress they made over the summer was remarkable, and participants also provided constructive feedback to one another, creating a collaborative environment where they could learn from each other's ideas and experiences. We are delighted to provide financial support to help each team continue refining their business ideas and take their ventures to the next level.
Meet the ventures
Best Idea to Impact Award
S Asha, founder of Anchor Inclusion
Current MSc Psychology student Asha developed the Support™ Anchor Framework, an innovative, self-sustaining inclusion model that strengthens everyday classroom SEND practice, improving access to learning and participation for children with additional needs in mainstream schools.
She shared “I am so happy to hear that I've received the Best Idea to Impact Award and won a prize! Thank you so much for your continued support. I've thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the Incubator Programme and learnt so much over the last 8 weeks.”
Best in Class Awards
Ivan Barros De Almeida, founder of Amplified Creative Therapy (ACT)
Current BSc Mathematics student Ivan developed Amplified Creative Therapy (ACT), a peer-led wellbeing programme that uses creative engagement to support healing while helping identify students who may benefit from additional institutional support.
Jawad Noori, founder of SunCircle
Second-year BSc Computer Science student Jawad developed SunCircle, a peer-to-peer solar energy sharing platform connecting UK solar panel owners with nearby fuel-poor households, providing access to clean energy at up to 50% lower cost while creating a pathway towards future solar ownership.
Jetmira Uka, founder of SwUp
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering PhD graduate (2025) Jetmira developed SwUp, a modular solid-state system that converts machining swarf into reusable, performance-grade feedstock on-site, reducing material costs, carbon emissions and supply chain risk through adaptive processing and digital monitoring.
She shared “Thank you so much for this wonderful news. I am really honoured to have been given this prize. I have enjoyed the program thoroughly, and I am so sad that it is finished so quickly. All the mentors have been great, and I feel lucky to have learnt from them.”
Best Pitch Award
Emily Ankers, founder of The Beta Club
PhD researcher in Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, Emily is exploring confidence building in climbing by addressing the gender gap in outdoor climbing. Her venture aims to help women and non-binary climbers develop the confidence and skills needed to transition more smoothly from indoor climbing to outdoor rock climbing, making the sport more accessible and inclusive.
Commendation Awards
Abaya Kofi Mensah, founder of Mobivision Clinic
Final-year Master of Public Health student Abaya founded Mobivision Clinic, a health technology venture dedicated to providing high-quality eye care services to rural communities across Ghana through accessible, community-based healthcare.
Adjoa Ofosu-Amaah, founder of Numa & Co
Current MBA student at Brunel Business School, Adjoa is developing a luxury postnatal concierge service that provides premium postnatal care coordination for new families. The service offers personalised support packages covering medical care, wellbeing and recovery after birth by connecting families with a trusted network of healthcare and wellness professionals. Designed to ease the pressures of the fourth trimester, the service aims to reduce stress and support maternal wellbeing, helping to lower the risk of postpartum depression.
Kris Sah, co-founder of Ruum
Current BSc Computer Science student Kris and teammate Isaiah Uwaspaul are developing Ruum, an AI-powered solution that bridges the gap between physical products and digital listings. Acting as an intelligent agent for resellers, the platform accurately measures and prepares items for listing on its marketplace app, making the resale process faster and more efficient.
Joe Jarlett, founder of GroundedNinja
MSc Psychology graduate Joe developed GroundedNinja, the Dojo for the Mind, an AI-powered coaching platform designed to bridge the gap between coaching sessions by providing personalised daily support. Using AI mentors with persistent memory, the platform encourages continuous practice through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Stoic philosophy and evidence-based psychological exercises, helping users build resilience and sustain personal growth.
John Lloyd Territorio, Khalid Ismail and Priyanshu Ahirwar, co-founders of Glassbox Security
Recent 2026 BSc Computer Science graduates John Lloyd Territorio, Khalid Ismail and Priyanshu Ahirwar are developing Glassbox Security, an automated cybersecurity platform that analyses, classifies and explains malware and other cyber threats in clear, understandable terms. By automating key Security Operations Centre (SOC) analyst tasks, the software increases productivity and efficiency while helping organisations identify risks more quickly, strengthen their cyber defences and reduce overall cyber risk.
The Brunel Pitch-Off celebrated not only the achievements of this year's cohort but also the creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial ambition of our students and graduates. With funding, mentoring and continued support from the Entrepreneur Hub, each venture is now well placed to build on its progress, develop its ideas further and take the next steps towards creating real-world impact. Congratulations to everyone who took part, and we look forward to following their entrepreneurial journeys in the months ahead.