Success for University of Liverpool entrepreneurs at Educate North Awards 2023

Educate North Winners

We are pleased to announce the recent success of two entrepreneurs from the University of Liverpool who have been named as winners at the Educate North Awards 2023.

Dr Srijan Jindal was presented with the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and recent graduate Noura Qusairy won in the University Entrepreneurs Grant category.

Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) of PhenUtest Diagnostics, Dr Srijan Jindal has revolutionised the diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs) by developing a novel point-of-care test.

Following an undergraduate degree at the Indian Institute of Technology, Srijan completed a PhD at the University of Manchester. He then undertook post-doctoral research at the University of Liverpool. PhenUtest is built on Srijan’s research and he is co-inventor of PhenUtest’s foundational intellectual property. He leads the company’s R&D microbiology and core science

Noura Qusairy is co-founder of Yamama, a social enterprise that aims to transform the fashion industry by introducing a sustainable, ethical and fair fashion brand. Yamama offers female refugee artisans financial independence through their handmade, sustainable, clothing and accessories.

Noura and her start-up have been supported through 1:1 innovation coaching from the University’s Careers & Employability team, taken part in the Design Your Future Programme, applied to our Enterprise Fund, and have showcased and traded on campus at various University events. Their prize includes a grant of £1,000 to develop the business plan, access to a mentor, publicity and the opportunity to return in 12 months to update everyone on their progress.

Alongside the winners on the night, there were also a number of student and graduate entrepreneurs from the University of Liverpool shortlisted at the awards ceremony; Emma Brass, with her robotic painting invention, Penelope; James Barber with software company Jamescape, and Folakemi Ogunyemi with her authentic African snacks business, OK Chin Chin.

The Careers and Employability team were also shortlisted for the Innovation Award with Design Your Future and Best Entrepreneurial University categories.

Alison Pountney, Enterprise Lead from Careers & Employability said: “These awards are a testament to the University’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent, providing high-quality entrepreneurship programmes, and empowering our students and graduates to achieve their full potential.”

“It was fantastic to see so many University of Liverpool students, graduates, and staff achieving success at the awards. Our enterprise community will greatly benefit from this success, which will provide major encouragement to student entrepreneurs who are beginning their start-up journey.”

Join our enterprise community

The Careers & Employability team have set up a vibrant online community of student entrepreneurs called The Green Room.

Join and be the first to find out about enterprise opportunities, challenges, competitions, and careers support, while meeting like-minded students in this Microsoft Team forum.

For more information on the support available for students and graduates click here.

If you are interested in finding out more, or have any questions please email Alison Pountney or message via Microsoft Teams.