November 21, 2024, by aezdb

Reflecting on a Year of Impact: Empowering Purpose-Driven Ventures for Global Entrepreneurship Week 2024

Mike Reid, Ingenuity Impact Operations Manager

To commemorate Global Entrepreneurship Week 2024, I’m excited to highlight the journey of our programme and its impact over the years. Since launching in 2016, we’ve proudly supported over 4,500 changemakers in launching purpose-driven businesses aimed at solving social, health, and environmental challenges. Through start-up training, mentorship, funding opportunities, and access to a supportive community, we provide participants with the resources they need to turn their ideas into impactful ventures.

The vision behind Ingenuity Impact is simple: entrepreneurship for a better world. We’re here to provide the skills, networks, and guidance needed to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. What we feel makes us stand out is our commitment to diversity and inclusion. We aim to give individuals from all backgrounds—and particularly those who are underserved or underrepresented—access to everything they need to make a difference.

One of the key features of our programme is our annual prize fund which is awarded to the most impactful ideas. This financial support can be a game-changer for early-stage ventures, enabling social entrepreneurs to bring their concepts to life and scale their impact. Whether the focus is on local issues or wider societal challenges, Ingenuity Impact helps turn visionary ideas into practical solutions.

Now in its 9th year, Ingenuity Impact is more agile and flexible than ever, and we’ve made sure that the programme is accessible to all: students, alumni, and community members without university affiliation across the UK. Whether you’re a university student passionate about health and wellness or a local resident eager to tackle a pressing social issue, Ingenuity Impact offers the mentorship, tools, and connections to help you make it happen.

Our commitment to inclusivity goes beyond the typical model. We aim to reach those who may not traditionally see themselves as entrepreneurs or who might lack access to entrepreneurship services. By demystifying the business start-up process, we empower individuals who are driven by a desire for change, even if they lack prior resources or knowledge.

Through training, networking, and funding, Ingenuity Impact creates a pathway from innovation to real-world impact. We’re building a more inclusive, sustainable, and socially conscious entrepreneurial landscape—one that supports early-stage businesses tackling today’s most critical issues.

We’re proud of many success stories, such as BaseGap, founded by Jade Morgan, which won the 2024 Communities Champion award. BaseGap addresses the double disadvantage faced by young people in underserved communities, where they often live in run-down and uninspiring homes and public spaces. The initiative works with young people aged 14-25 in these communities, collaborating with educators, local councils, and the young people themselves to create spaces that inspire and make a positive impact. Another standout is Medscribe, developed by Henry James, which won the University of Nottingham Champion prize. Medscribe is an AI tool that automates the creation of clinic letters and discharge summaries, significantly reducing the administrative workload for NHS clinicians and freeing up more time for them to focus on providing high-quality patient care.

This year, we are delighted to recognise Max Bateson as the recipient of both the Ingenuity Impact Entrepreneur of the Year award and the Health Champion award. Max is the founder of HYGGE, an innovative venture addressing the challenges posed by the UK’s aging population. HYGGE integrates modern technology with adaptable living spaces to improve the lives of elderly individuals, helping them live independently for longer.

HYGGE’s approach also aims to reduce the burden on informal carers and offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional care homes. Through its combination of technology and design, HYGGE seeks to create a supportive community where elderly individuals can maintain their independence and stay socially connected, while improving the quality of life for both them and their caregivers.

The work of this year’s champions is an inspiring example of how innovative solutions can transform the lives of individuals facing societal challenges. We are proud to support their efforts to drive real change.

If you’re ready to make an impact in social, health, or environmental sectors, now is the time to join us. Register at ingenuityimpact.org and take the first step today.

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