Global innovation takes centre stage at Technology Entrepreneurship Bootcamp
Exeter’s Department of Engineering has successfully concluded its third annual Technology Entrepreneurship Bootcamp (TEB)
The University of Exeter’s Engineering departments has recently successfully hosted the third annual Technology Entrepreneurship Bootcamp (TEB) – a high-energy collaborative programme featuring 50 students from across the world.
The event, led by Gigi Wang from University of California, Berkeley and run by Amber Strong-Yates and Dr Peter Melville-Shreeve from Exeter, blends global expertise with local innovation and industry expertise to give aspiring entrepreneurs the mindset, skills and confidence needed to turn ideas into impact.
The TEB Bootcamp is designed to not only equips students with innovative and entrepreneurial skills, but fosters a global network committed to ethical innovation, design and real-world change.
This year’s cohort comprised of undergraduates and postgraduates from more than 15 countries – including Ghana, France, China, Kenya, Poland, Ukraine, and the United States – and from a diverse array of 25 academic disciplines, from Medicine and Law to Engineering and Business.
With support from 16 experienced entrepreneurial mentors and insights from 15 guest speakers, participants formed interdisciplinary teams on day one and pitched innovative business concepts by day five. No prior business idea was required – just a willingness to engage, explore and innovate.
The five-day programme culminated in the participants giving venture pitches to industry ‘dragons’ Geoff McGrath, Peter Henry and Sally Walters.
Among the highlights was the success of Team Guesswork, whose venture empowers small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to optimise pricing strategies through seamless A/B testing – taking the “guesswork” out of profitability.
Joining Guesswork on the winner’s podium were Quantum Vision in second place, whose project explored future-facing imaging technology to prevent car theft; and Honeycomb in third, who’s design innovation targeted urban flood water management.
A Special Mention was also awarded to Degree2Desk, recognising their standout efforts in developing a platform that bridges academic skills with practical workplace needs.
Professor Ion Sucala, Head of Engineering at University of Exeter, said: “The TEB Bootcamp isn’t just about developing highly innovative ideas or launching ventures. It’s about cultivating a responsible entrepreneurial mindset, innovating to create a greener, fairer and healthier world.”
