Win up to £1000 in the People and Planet Prize

The People and Planet Prize: Student Enterprise Competition 2025  is the University of Brighton’s annual, early-stage ideas competition, which encourages you to generate  an idea for a startup, social enterprise, or freelancing service that you can turn into a viable business that benefits people or our planet.

The University of Brighton’s Global Challenges

We would like you to take inspiration from the University of Brighton’s Global Challenges (see below) which are informed by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Global Challenges at the University of Brighton

Please tell us how your innovative idea tackles one of these four global challenges: equality and inclusivity, creative sustainable economies, climate change, or well-being.

Your idea will most likely be linked to sustainability or be a business for good – ‘businesses for good’ are purpose-led, contributing positively to people and the planet while still being profitable.

Past finalists of the Prize

Read about last year’s winners here .  In previous years, the competition finalists have had ideas for a sustainable swimming robe, a drawing tool for disabled artists, a global letter exchange for young people, woven products made from recycled dog hair, and a tool to help neurodiverse young people to develop mindfulness skills.

Deadline to apply for the People and Planet Prize

If you are a University of Brighton student or a recent graduate (from the Class of 2024), make sure you submit your idea before Friday, 14 February 2025.

Don’t worry if you’re new to the business world, we believe in the power of ideas, and you’ve got one! 

How to apply – and the pitch final!

With cash prizes up to £1,000 and expert mentoring up for grabs, students that are selected by our first round judges get the chance to pitch their idea to a distinguished external judging panel in front of a live audience at the final on 17 March 2025.

Students can enter either on their own or as part of a team.

The application process is really straightforward, and you don’t need a business plan or any startup experience. To apply, you will need to complete the  application form below.

Remember, this is an ideas competition rather than a business plan competition. So, don’t feel you need to have a really polished idea! Just write your idea down and submit it online before the deadline.

We can’t wait to hear your amazing sustainable startup ideas!

People and Planet Prize Application Form 2025