Newly launched University of Reading scheme is seeking sustainable business ideas from across its global community to help make the world a better place.
Do you have a business idea that addresses a global challenge? If so, this is your chance to have it turned into a reality by a University of Reading scheme.
just IMAGINE if… is offering thousands of pounds worth of funding plus business development expertise from its Henley Business School to support three social enterprise ventures focused on supporting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
To celebrate the University’s centenary, this year’s scheme is open exclusively to Reading students and alumni around the world – including Henley Business School Africa – nurturing the sparks of inspiration and passion for sustainability that exist within our global community.
The scheme opened for submissions on 31 March 2026 and three submitted ideas will each receive a funding award of £5,000, together with invaluable active support from the Henley Enterprise Lab, a centre which helps to create and build start-up businesses.
just IMAGINE if… was created by Paul Lindley OBE, British entrepreneur, author and children’s welfare campaigner and the University of Reading’s Chancellor.
This is the third time the scheme has been run at the University of Reading since it launched in 2019.
Previously backed ideas include a musical education tool for neurodivergent learners, sustainable emergency shelters for refugees in disaster zones, and an eco-friendly dairy-free drink made using crops from Peruvian smallholder farmers.
Paul said: “We know that many in our University community around the world are passionate about the environment and social progress. This is a unique opportunity to turn their dream of a sustainable future into a reality.
'You don’t need to be a fully-fledged entrepreneur or have a complete business plan – we are looking for ideas big and small that could address global challenges and that we can grow together. So, if you have an idea that you think could make a difference to people’s lives or to the planet, tell us about it and you could be one of the latest just IMAGINE if… winners!'
Find out more about the scheme, read about previous grants, and submit your idea via the just IMAGINE If… website.
Each submission should outline the idea and the benefits it offers to society and/or the planet.
Entries close at midnight on 31 May 2026.
After the submission stage, 10 finalists will be selected and announced in August 2026.
The finalists will then work with experienced and successful entrepreneur mentors and Henley Business School academics to build their business from scratch.
They will also receive intellectual property advice from world renowned legal firm Hogan Lovells, and presentation skills training from global youth organisation One Young World, before delivering a final pitch to a panel led by Paul in September.
Three finalists will then be chosen by that panel to receive £5,000 of funding and further expert support to help turn their proposals into real business ventures.
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