Innovateher

Queen’s Students’ Union Presents the Next Generation of Female Entrepreneurs…

Queen’s Students’ Union’s eighth annual Innovateher Programme culminated in a recent competition final which saw 22 females pitching their ideas for a bid of a £1,000 prize pot.

The programme, sponsored by PWC, encourages female students to think entrepreneurially by creating original ideas and concepts for new products, services or markets. This year attracted over 50 applications and saw 22 participants competing for the award titles and cash prizes.

During the course of the programme the group of budding female entrepreneurs covered a wide range of topics including; idea generation, marketing, leadership, finances and pitching. They also had the privilege of hearing from inspirational females such as Orla Smyth, Founder of KaffeO, Jude Henderson, Co-Founder of Outside In and Camilla Long, Co-Founder of Bespoke Communications.

In completion of the programme, each participant presented to their idea to a Judging Panel of five well respected female entrepreneurs which included: Roseann Kelly, Women in Business; Louise Black, PWC; Deirdre Fitzpatrick, Fitzpatrick Associates; Sinead Henry, QUBSU Welfare Officer and Majella Barkley, Innovation Factory.

In the end it was Muiríosa Duggan, Food Quality, Safety and Nutrition Student, who overcame the competition to walk away with £250 for the ‘Most Innovative Idea’. Muiríosa’s business, entitled ‘Emunchies’, aimed to turn the phrase “emotional eating” into a positive with the creation of mood bars such as, ‘Pineapple-pick me up’, ‘Ginger Aid’ and ‘Cool Mint, Calm and Concentrated’.

Bernadette Henry, Economics and Finance Student, won the ‘Judges Choice’ Award with her idea ‘Gym Buddies’, an app that enabled users to connect with like-minded people who shared their passion for health and fitness.

Lastly, Megan Rossiter picked up £200 for her Business Model Canvas and Amy Parke’s team pitch won ‘Best Group Pitch’, securing the judges attention by their use of videos, props, samples, costumes and even a short sketch.

Roseann Kelly, Women in Business NI Ltd said, “The quality and confidence of all the participants was highly impressive and a testament to the learnings on the Innovateher Programme. It’s an excellent source of support and encouragement to help the participants see their innovative ideas through to fruition. Women in Business NI is proud to support the Programme.”