Apply now for the Enterprise Challenge 2026
To apply fill in the application form before the deadline on the 23rd of November.
Key Dates
23rd November: Stage 1 APPLICATIONS CLOSE
1st December: Successful participants will be notified
14th January: EC Workshops begin
19th February: Stage 2 Deadline
4th March: Enterprise Challenge Semi-Finals
25th March: Enterprise Challenge Finals
Categories
There are two streams that you can apply for: a Social Stream, if your business will have a positive environmental or social impact (you can still generate a profit through this stream), and a Commercial Stream, for any general business idea. We've also included a freelancer pathway this year.
Applicants will receive free 1-1 advice, training activities, mentoring, and the chance to win generous cash prizes to help you to build your enterprise.
Prizes
This year, our wonderful prizes generously funded by Santander Universities and Engineers in Business are:
Greenwich Entrepreneur of the Year - £5000
The top prize, decided by our judging panel. The winner of this prize has polished their idea and proven that their business has a strong model which will be successful in the future.
Commercial Category Winner - £2000
A prize for the idea most likely to go and make a profit. You will have developed a strong business plan throughout the competition and are ready to make some cash.
Social Category Winner - £2000
Not every idea is for profit. If you're planning a social enterprise to give back to the community, and have developed this idea with us, then this prize is for you.
Engineers in Business - £2000
Reserved for students from the faculty of engineering and science and sponsored by Engineers in Business. The winning engineer will have the opportunity to pitch at their annual competition and win more funding.
*NEW Greenwich Freelancer of the Year - £2000
This year we are launching a new award for students on our freelancer pathway who demonstrates a viable business proposal at the end of the intensive workshop.
People's Choice Award x 2 - £500
Completely decided by the audience, this prize is reserved for the pitch that convinces everyone in the attendance that their idea are great, so make sure your personality shines during your pitches.
Key dates
27th November: Stage 1 APPLICATIONS CLOSE
4th December: Successful participants will be notified
15th January: EC Workshops begin
19th February: Stage 2 Deadline
5th March: Enterprise Challenge Semi-Finals
26th March: Enterprise Challenge Finals
Previous winners
Generator Crowns Greenwich Entrepreneur of the Year 2025
Meet the winners of the Generator's Enterprise Challenge 2025.
Meet the 12 Finalists Competing for the Enterprise Challenge 2025
From 286 applications, 12 students will be pitching at the Grand Finals of the Enterprise Challenge.
Siobhan Abdirahman shares her Enterprise Challenge Experience
Siobhan Abdirahman is a third-year student at the university and a regular at #GreHacks and #GreStartUp. A successful writer outside of her studies, Siobhan is a dynamic and hard-working entrepreneur developing her latest venture The Buddy App.
The Buddy App
Siobhan Abdirahman is a third-year student at the university and a regular at #GreHacks and #GreStartUp. A successful writer outside of her studies, Siobhan is a dynamic and hard-working entrepreneur developing her latest venture The Buddy App.
SmartSwap
Ansad Parayil won the Engineers in Business award at this year's Enterprise Challenge finals for his business SmartSwap, along with £3000 in prize money.
Urban Rise
Enabling companies to give back to the community and to help tackle poverty by teaching disadvantaged kids’ financial literacy courses.