Southampton Researchers Win GRADnet Challenge

Earlier this year, GRADnet launched its Entrepreneurship in Action Challenge tailored for Physics PGRs in SEPnet to get involved.

As part of the Challenge, SEPnet institutions were invited to form teams of PGR researchers to compete to be the most entrepreneurial physics department in SEPnet. Teams were formed from Kent, Portsmouth, QMUL, Southampton, Surrey, and Sussex.

During the six month project the teams have undertaken an exciting, and sometimes gruelling, journey to develop their ideas into marketable proposals. The teams from across the network gathered on 13 July to present their business ideas to a panel industry judges. Neil Phillipson of Outsideology, Simon Bland of Reigate and Banstead Borough Council and Phil Edwards of Weald Technology were all impressed by the quality, credibility and potential of the ideas being showcased. They commented that it was impressive to see physics PhD students applying their skills to challenges and scenarios outside of their normal environment. They agreed that the creative thinking and entrepreneurial mindset demonstrated by the teams would be an asset to any industry or organisation.

The winning team from the University of Southampton comprised of Azaria Coupe, Anthony Preston, Andrew Lawson, and Marc Scott.

The achievements of all the teams were celebrated at the follow-on networking event which brought together the students and local entrepreneurial businesses.