Awards Showcase 2026

You're invited! The third annual Awards Showcase delivered by Emerge. 

The Emerge Showcase aims to recognise and celebrate student entrepreneurship, provide financial support to accelerate start-up growth, encourage students to develop ideas and launch ventures, and cultivate a more enterprising, innovative, and challenge-led university community.

Taking place on Thursday 14th May 2026, we'll be treated to presentations from the winning businesses. Watch the winning finalists take the stage and present their business pitches!

The agenda will include:

This event will be an opportunity to celebrate and recognise some of the leading business ideas coming through the University of Sheffield. We are proudly supported by Santander Universities to award the winners with funding to support the onward development of their business.

We're offering funding across three categories depending on your business stage:

• Conceptual Idea: 3 x £1,000

You've got a great idea, but will enough people actually want it? 

• Idea Development: 2 x £3,000

You've moved beyond just an idea—you're building something real! 

• Gone to Market: 2 x £5,000

You've launched your business and are formally registered. 

In addition to our support in launching Start-ups, we also are rewarding enterprising students active across the University.
 

The event will be a great opportunity for networking, with a range of engaged students and graduates within the Emerge community, partners supporting enterprise activity, as well as a host of regional business leaders, stakeholders and business connectors.

•  Arrive 12.30pm onwards

•  Event running time: 1.00pm - 17.00pm (including breaks)

• Dress code: Relaxed business/casual.

• Allergies: Refreshments and light bites will be provided in the networking reception. Please inform them if you have any specific food allergies.

• Access: There is step-free access at the entrance on Mappin Street, with a lift centrally in the main foyer.

£14,000 Awarded to University of Sheffield's Most Promising Student Start-ups

Sheffield's entrepreneurial future is bright. Last week, the Emerge Awards Showcase spotlighted the University's brightest entrepreneurial minds. Which of these promising initiatives will achieve significant industry impact?

19 May 2025