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Hey Arden Students, Got a Bright Idea to Change the World? RSA Spark Wants to Hear From You

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If you're an Arden student or recent grad with a head full of ideas and a heart set on making a difference, RSA Spark could be the perfect launchpad. 

Run by the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), Spark is a global design challenge that invites students to tackle real-world issues — climate change, social inequality, community building, and more. It’s free to enter, open to all disciplines, and packed with opportunities to learn, create, and get your work seen by influential people. 

Whether you're passionate about greener cities, reimagining railways, transforming community spaces, or opening-up creative careers to everyone, there’s a brief to suit you. You can enter solo or as a team, and RSA offers plenty of support—like optional online workshops, peer feedback, and even digital badges you can add to your CV. 

The prizes are a big deal: top entries will be showcased at RSA House in London, and winners can receive cash awards, mentoring, seed funding, and even a one-year RSA Fellowship. But the real win? Making something that could genuinely make a difference. 

Here at Arden University, we're encouraging students to get involved. Ben McClure, Lead of the Arden Enterprise Incubator and an RSA Fellow, is available to support Arden students with their applications. He can help you make sense of the brief, sharpen your ideas, and guide you through the submission process. 

You can reach Ben at bmcclure@arden.ac.uk 

Key dates to know: 

Final deadline: 30 June 2025 at 5pm GMT That doesn't leave much time, you'll have to hustle!

Showcase: September 2025 at RSA House, London 

So — if you’ve ever thought someone should really fix that, maybe that someone is you. 

Explore the briefs and find out more at RSA Spark Website. And if you’re an Arden student ready to jump in—Ben’s here to help. 

 

Blog Stage Category
Launching your Business
Blog Author Name
Ben McCLure
Article Category
News

Why Arden University Startups Should Apply for the Santander X UK Awards 2025

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The Santander X UK Awards 2025 are now open, offering a unique opportunity for early-stage university-linked ventures to gain recognition, funding, and support. With a total of £135,000 in equity-free funding available across three categories—University, Startup, and SME—this competition is designed to propel ambitious entrepreneurs forward 

 Santander X United Kingdom Award | UK 2025 – University Category - Santander X 

Why This Matters for Arden Entrepreneurs 

The University category specifically targets early-stage businesses connected to UK universities. Eligible applicants must have at least one team member who is a current student, recent graduate (since 2020), or university staff member. Your venture should have a minimum viable product and be preparing to go to market. Teams of two or more are encouraged, though solo founders with advisors or part-time staff also qualify  

What’s in It for You 

  • Equity-Free Funding: Win up to £15,000 without giving up any ownership. 

  • Expert-Led Pitch Training: Shortlisted teams receive professional coaching to refine their business pitches. 

  • National Exposure: Finalists will pitch at Santander's HQ in Milton Keynes, gaining visibility among industry leaders. 

  • Global Opportunities: Winners advance to the Santander X Global Awards, competing with top startups from Europe and Latin America  

Why Act Now 

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until July 16, 2025. Early submission increases your chances of selection.  

Note: As a former Santander X mentor, Arden Enterprise Incubator Lead, Ben McClure, can offer guidance to strengthen your application and pitch. Feel free to reach out to Ben. bmcclure@arden.ac.uk 

Student Startups Apply Here 

Blog Stage Category
Growing your Business
Blog Author Name
Ben McClure
Article Category
News
Post Featured Category
Featured

What I’ve Learned from Founder Friday (So Far)

Founder Friday
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Every Friday morning, a  growing group of Arden student founders come together for an hour of real, unfiltered startup conversation. It’s informal. It’s scrappy. And it’s quickly becoming one of the most valuable things we’re doing at the Arden Enterprise Incubator.

It's called Founder Friday – a space where students show up to share ideas, ask hard questions, and support each other through the ups and downs of starting a business.

Here’s what I’ve learned so far:

1. Introductions Are the Hook
We always start the same way: everyone introduces themselves and what they’re working on. It’s simple, but it’s the spark. It instantly creates relevance and connection. Someone always says, “I can help with that” — and collaboration begins.

2. Structure Builds Confidence
Many students arrive unsure of what to say. A simple theme – like “Validating Your Idea” – gives them a hook. Add a basic framework, and suddenly they’ve got something concrete to share. Structure doesn’t limit creativity – it unlocks it.

3. Real Conversations Beat Polished Pitches
The best moments happen when students drop the façade and speak honestly:
“Here’s what’s not working.”
“I’m stuck.”
“Any advice?”
That’s when the room gets real – and real learning begins.

4. Collaboration Is Contagious
Students are teaming up. They’re offering each other branding help, tech skills, marketing advice. It’s not just talk – it’s support in action. The incubator is becoming what it should be: a launchpad for mutual momentum.

5. Our Founders Are Juggling Real Lives
Arden students aren’t fresh out of school. Many are managing jobs, families, and complex lives. At Founder Friday, they talk openly about how to make progress in the middle of real-world responsibilities. That honesty is powerful – it creates the opportunity for learning and building confidence.

6. You Don’t Need All the Answers
Students aren’t looking for perfection. They’re looking for people who listen, challenge, encourage, and help sharpen ideas. My job isn’t to be the expert – it’s to hold the space.

Each week, we’re discovering genuine entrepreneurs with powerful ideas – from whizzy high-tech ventures to health and wellbeing startups, and even care sector innovations. The diversity is inspiring. And the ambition is real.

Founder Friday is held online every Friday at 12 noon UK time.
All Arden students are welcome – no pitch deck required. Just curiosity, ideas, and a willingness to learn.

👉 Join us on Microsoft Teams

 

Blog Stage Category
Launching your Business
Blog Author Name
Ben McClure
Article Category
News
Post Featured Category
Featured

Speak Up: Clear Communication Can Make or Break Your Business Idea

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So, you’ve got a business idea. Great. Now what?

Here’s the thing most student entrepreneurs miss: it’s not enough to have a good idea—you’ve got to sell it. Not just to customers, but to everyone. Mentors, investors, partners, even friends and family. If they don’t get it, they won’t back it.

I've seen plenty of great business ideas flat at the pitch stage—not because the idea was weak, but because the message was muddy. Don’t let that be you.

Nail the Core Message

Start with this challenge: explain your business in one sentence—to someone who knows nothing about your industry.

Take Suzy, a second-year business student. She came up with a solid idea: an app to help international students find culturally familiar food and groceries in the UK.

Her original pitch?

“We’re developing a community-driven mobile commerce platform that aggregates niche food products from small retailers and offers a hyperlocal delivery solution.”

That got blank stares.

After some coaching, she simplified it:

“We help international students find and order groceries from home—delivered to their door.”

Now people nod. They get it. They want to know more. They want to help Suzy take her business idea to the next stage.

The same lesson applied to Marcus, a creative arts student with a passion for fashion and sustainability. His fashion startup: upcycled streetwear made from second-hand garments.

His first version?

“We offer a sustainable fashion solution through artisanal redesign and material reuse, creating one-of-a-kind urban fashion pieces.”

Again: lots of words, little clarity.

He reframed it:

“We turn old clothes into bold streetwear—one-offs with zero waste.”

Now his brand feels clear, confident, and cool. People know exactly what he’s offering—and why it stands out.

Know Your “Why”

People connect with purpose. Don’t just say what your business does—tell us why it matters.

Suzy's why:

“I want international students to feel at home in a new place.”

Marcus’ why:

“Fashion doesn’t have to destroy the planet. I’m showing there’s a better way—and it can still look great."

It’s not just a product. It’s a mission. That’s what people buy into.

Test Your Message

Try explain your idea to a classmate, your tutor, or someone at the bus stop.

Watch their reaction:

Do they understand it right away?

Do they ask  questions?

Do they want to know more?

If not, your message needs work. Better to fix it now than let it fall flat in front of people who can help you.

Practice Out Loud

It’s one thing to write your idea down. It’s another to say it with confidence.

Record yourself pitching. Listen back. Trim the fluff. Cut the jargon. Be yourself—but be clear.

Be Ready to Flex

The first version of your message won’t be perfect. That’s okay. Adapt. Refine. Keep it tight, simple, and punchy.

Your idea might evolve—and your message should too.

You’ve Got This

If you’re building something new—talk about it. Post online. Share updates. Ask for feedback. Don’t hide in your notebook. Build in public. Communicate with courage.

Your idea could change someone’s life—but only if they understand it first.

Need a hand? 

Join us at Founder Friday or book a one-to-one with the Arden Enterprise Incubator  aei@arden.ac.uk

We’ll help you get your story straight—so your business can stand out

Blog Stage Category
Launching your Business
Blog Author Name
Ben McClure
Article Category
News
Post Featured Category
Featured

Spotlight on Student Innovation: Arden Hosts GUS Business Pitch Competition

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On 10 April 2025, the Arden Enterprise Incubator proudly co-hosted the GUS Business Pitch Competition, bringing together student entrepreneurs from across the Global University Systems (GUS) network. The event celebrated innovation and creativity from students at Arden University, London College of Contemporary Arts, Berlin School of Business & Innovation, Gisma University of Applied Sciences, London School of Business & Finance, and University of Niagara Falls Canada, each presenting their startup ideas to a panel of expert judges. 

Opening remarks from Nick Wylie, Arden’s Associate Dean of Business, set an encouraging tone. “These are always the moments of maximum anxiety,” he joked, capturing the nervous energy as the first team prepared to pitch. 

The first venture was Fixxit Beauty & Spa from London College of Contemporary Arts, led by Dr. Noman Mahtab. Their concept combines AI-powered personalised beauty services with an eco-conscious business model, offering a sustainable spa experience that responds to trends in wellness, technology, and the environment. 

Representing Arden University, student founder Amir Emami pitched FYNDA, a blockchain-powered crowdfunding platform. It will help early-stage startup founders raise investment using token-based fundraising with instant secondary market trading. Judges were particularly impressed by FYNDA’s innovation and awarded it a special innovation prize. 

Kalid Sacbe Juarez Ponce from University of Niagara Falls Canada presented Le Crems, a venture using drone imagery and predictive AI to help vineyards detect pests and crop disease before damage occurs. Combining agriculture, AI, and sustainability, the pitch earned joint first place for its technical depth and potential global impact. 

Also awarded joint first place was Trace Amigo, a travel app pitched by Subhanshu Arora from Gisma University of Applied Sciences. The app allows users to follow travel influencers' routes and recreate their journeys—merging social media with real-world exploration in a way that reimagines how we plan travel. 

Innovator’s Circle, from London School of Business & Finance, presented by Pranan Bajav, Ivana Taruni, and Brenda Chebet, introduced an AI-powered leadership coaching tool. Designed for modern learners, the platform offers real-time guidance, skill tracking, and personal development support, bringing scalable executive coaching to wider audiences. 

Finally, CTO (Come Try On) from Berlin School of Business & Innovation, led by Divyesh Anchalia and Mazen Daher, tackled online fashion’s high return rates. Their solution allows customers to reserve items online and try them in-store before purchase, helping retailers cut costs and improve customer satisfaction. 

Students showcased not only creativity but also business insight. Judge Ben McClure from the Arden Enterprise Incubator commented, “These ideas could be brought to market sooner than you think—the potential is real, and the revenue models are exciting.” 

Judges were unable to choose a single winner and instead awarded Le Crems and Trace Amigo as joint winners, each receiving a cash prize. 

The GUS Business Pitch Competition reflects the Arden Enterprise Incubator’s mission: to equip students with entrepreneurial confidence, connect them with mentors, and support their journey from idea to execution. 

Congratulations to all the student entrepreneurs for delivering great pitches. We look forward to supporting their ventures—and the next wave of student innovators in our community.

Contact the Arden Enterprise Incubator: aei@arden.ac.uk

Home | Enterprise Incubator

 

Blog Author Name
Ben McClure
Article Category
News
Post Featured Category
Featured
Author Additional Info

Lead, Arden Enterprise Incubator

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