Winner announced for business boot camp

Group working together

An Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management student has been named as the winner of the Emerge Programme following an intensive three-month business boot camp.

MSc student, Monica Escartin, was announced as the winner with her business idea addressing diversity and inclusion within the workplace through gamification – a unique approach used to develop a collective mind-set and increase productivity.

The scheme, developed by the University’s Careers and Employability Service in partnership with LAB by Capacity, offered students the chance to win a £1,000 prize, an iPad Pro and potential investment from local businesses.

Monica expressed in her acceptance speech that developing her business plan was more than a project for her, it has helped her pursue her passion.

Students were selected for the programme after submitting a promising business idea that has potential to be developed and applied within the community.

Submissions were very diverse and included innovative medical technologies, recycling initiatives, and well-being schemes.

To help reach their full business potential, students attended a combination of workshops and masterclasses taught by regional, national and international business professionals.

CEOs, directors, and business founders shared their own experiences of overcoming challenges as a start-up and have provided guidance on developing essential business skills.

After completing the 12-week course the budding entrepreneurs gathered in the Liver Buildings to pitch their boosted business plans to a panel of local stakeholders.

Feedback from the judging panel demonstrates the high-calibre of business proposals brought forward and their relevance within the region.

You can find out what happened throughout the 12 week programme by searching #LivUniEmerge, or by following our Careers team on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.