Exeter’s Entrepreneurial Innovators Soar at ELEVATE Engineers in Business Competition
Eleanor Griffin, co-founder of Opas Guides, stole the show with her venture. Opas Guides promises to streamline knee replacement surgery with custom 3D printed jig models,
The University of Exeter was buzzing with creativity and ambition during the recent ELEVATE Engineers in Business Fellowship Competition.
Sponsored by the Sainsbury Management Fellows Charity, this event is a shining example for budding entrepreneurs in the engineering and computer science realm.
Pitching across two days in March, 11 dynamic teams shortlisted from 20 applications, showcased their ground breaking business ideas. Fuelled by a passion to revolutionize their industries, from futuristic concepts to practical solutions, the energy was palpable as these bright minds took the stage.
After a rigorous shortlisting process and captivating pitch showdown Eleanor Griffin, co-founder of Opas Guides, stole the show with her venture. Opas Guides promises to streamline knee replacement surgery with custom 3D printed jig models, earning Eleanor the prestigious £1000 grand prize.
Exeter’s ELEVATE Engineers in Business Competition winners:
- 1st place (£1000) Eleanor Griffin, 4th year MEng Engineering and Entrepreneurship. Opas Guides, 3D printed jig models for knee surgery.
- 2nd place (£750) Ella Dodson and Jack Burbridge, both 2nd year MENG Engineering and Entrepreneurship, MediTeddys
- 3rd place (£500) Jack McGwyne, 4th year MEng Engineering and Entrepreneurship. BOOMFA impact monitoring mouth guard for young rugby players.
- 4th place (£250) Adam Brookes, MSc Financial Technology (Previously completed Computer Science BSc at Exeter), Stocki, revolutionising in-person shopping with instant access to stock date, price comparisons and reviews.
- 5th place (£250) Deepak Jha, Degree Apprentice in AI and Data Analytics, Optex Solutions, Quality and safety checking with AI in Aeronautic manufacture.
- 6th place (£250) Lorenzo Satta Chiris, 1st year Engineering and Entrepreneurship, HealthXplain, translating raw data from smart devices into actionable insights for athletes to enhance training.
Exeter’s entrepreneurial engineering champions are now gearing up for the national Engineers in Business Fellowship Competition stage in London, where they’ll vie for a share of the £16,000 prize pool and Champion of Champions title. This is their chance to shine on a broader platform, garnering invaluable feedback and exposure along the way.
“We are witnessing the power of innovation in action,” said Professor Ion Sucala, Head of Engineering at the University of Exeter. “Engineers have a unique perspective on innovation and problem-solving, and we are excited to support the University’s next generation of engineer-entrepreneurs”
Thanks go to the panel of judges for the event , Emily Davies, Head of Student Entrepreneurship at University of Exeter, Peter Henry, serial entrepreneur and Angel/VC investor, Patrick O’Connell, Managing Director at Helliers Ltd and Royal Society of Engineering Entrepreneur in Residence, and Ceri Howells, Lecturer in Engineering and Entrepreneurship, in advising our pitchers and selecting our winners.
