Competitions

CUE’s main events are the £100, £2k and £10k competitions. From ‘just an idea’ to ‘we’re ready to scale’, our competitions and accompanying mentorship aim to guide you towards creating a commercially viable company - regardless of whether you win.
The competitions are open to individuals and teams from three categories: ‘Software’, ‘Social Enterprise’ and ‘Science and Technology’. Entering the 2k and 10k competitions is not dependent on any of the previous competitions.

£100 

Take part in our ideas take flight competition! Submit your 100-word business ideas for the chance to win £100! Multiple entries are permitted and you may win multiple prizes.
Remember: the judges are looking for niches, domain knowledge and a competitive advantage. A brief quantitative analysis gives you a big advantage.

£2k

"Choose a category, complete a business canvas and present to our judges "
The business canvas will force you to answer key questions like: ‘Where is your revenue from?’, ‘Who is on your team and why?’ and ‘What metrics will you use?’.
You are also encouraged to clearly identify your market niche, make rigorous, quantitative comments and display a self-critical attitude.
A demo or evidence of existing traction will give you a big advantage.

£10k

"Do everything from the £2k, create your business plan and start your company!"
Depending on the category, the demo poster should be a concise summary of either: a working prototype, commercialisation-ready research or substantial customer engagement. 
At the CUE Grand Finale, three winners will present their businesses to potential investors and every entrant will have the opportunity to showcase at the event’s poster session.