June: Sustainable start-ups receive £30,000 in university competition | News and features

Weaving the Changes the app will model users’ clothes on a custom avatar and use an algorithm to suggest outfit ideas.

It was one of four companies to win the University of Bristol’s New Enterprise competition. Fifteen student and graduate start-ups pitched their business plans to a panel of business experts and the winners were announced at a special event last night.

Weaving Change won £7,500 and a six-month subscription at the University of Bristol’s award-winning technology incubator, SETsquared Bristol. SETsquared Bristol is also one of the sponsors of the competition.

The team behind the start-up, which met at the University of Bristol, say it will “connect people with their wardrobe” and encourage them to buy fewer clothes by giving them fresh outfit ideas.

Weronika Stelmach, CEO of Weaving Change, who graduated with a top level MSci in Chemistry, said: “It makes me feel optimistic and encouraged that funding is going towards sustainability and sustainable fashion in particular. We’re mission-driven, and it’s exciting to see that there’s a space for impact businesses.”

The other winners were:

SLANT – £15,000 and 12 month subscription to SETsquared Bristol

SLANT builds electric carts – called “e-carts” – to help people and businesses reduce their dependence on cars. They want to reduce unnecessary car journeys and help non-drivers move their shopping, children or cargo easily and sustainably.

SLANT was launched by a team of five who met on the University of Bristol’s Masters in Innovation and Entrepreneurship programme.

They won the top prize of £15,000 and 12 months membership to SETsquared Bristol. They also won a £3,000 bonus funded by Engineers in Business.

SLANT co-founder Artemis Fragkopoulos said he was “ecstatic.” He added: “It’s amazing. We will use this to develop a minimum marketable product, get pre-orders and start generating revenue.”

Accommodation – £2,500

Accommodeep develops the first wearable “deep pressure device” that is suitable for “people with breasts”.

Initiated by Louisa Billington, an Economics graduate from the University of Bristol, it is based on research showing that deep pressure – such as weighted blankets – can relieve anxiety, particularly for people with ADHD and autism. Accommodeep says that the market currently does not offer deep compression vests that fit different women’s body shapes.

Lettuce Digest – £1,500

Each year, the finalists of the competition can also compete for the People’s Choice Award, which is decided by public vote. This year’s winner, Lettus Digest, offers a “comprehensive solution to reduce landfill refuse, improve waste streams and promote sustainable resource management.”

The judging panel for the University of Bristol New Enterprise Competition is made up of university staff, university alumni and local business leaders. This year, the judges were:

• Professor Michele Barbour – Associate Vice-Chancellor for Enterprise and Innovation at the University of Bristol
• Rupert Baker – Founder of TEAM Up, University of Bristol Mechanical Engineering graduate, previous winner of the New Enterprise Competition and sponsor of the competition
• Nathan Guest – Partner and lawyer at VWV LLP and sponsor of the New Enterprise Competition
• Hannah Chappatte – Founder and CEO of Hybr, University of Bristol graduate in English and Literature and previous winner of the New Enterprise Competition
• Paul Forster – Business Incubation Manager at SETsquared Bristol

The competition was organized by the University of Bristol Careers Service.

Rob Taffinder, Deputy Director of the Careers Service, said: “We were incredibly impressed by the creative and innovative proposals these students and graduates brought to the New Enterprise Competition. No doubt they will continue to achieve success in business.

“Thanks to our generous sponsors and judging panel, as well as all the staff at the University of Bristol Careers Service and the Basecamp Enterprise team who made this possible.”

Kim Brook, director of SETsquared Bristol, said: “In its 24-year history, the New Enterprise Competition has discovered some amazing entrepreneurial talent, including Ultraleap (then Ultrahaptics), iCOMAT, Lettus Grow and Peequal.

“We are excited to support SLANT and Weaving Change Incubation this year and look forward to working with the founders to take their business ideas to the next level.”