Eli and Britt Harari Graphene Enterprise Award 2018
Applications Research 26 March 2018
The Eli and Britt Harari Graphene Enterprise Award, in association with Sir Andre Geim, is an annual award to help establish new enterprises in graphene and other 2D materials at The University of Manchester. The award aims to encourage the development of new business opportunities identified through the submission of a business proposal by students, postdoctoral research assistants or recent graduates of the University.
Two Prizes of £50,000 and £20,000
Closing date for applications : 15 June 2018
Applicants
The 2018 competition is open to both individuals and teams:
- Individuals – entrants must be current students (UG/PG), postdoctoral research assistants at The University of Manchester or alumni of The University of Manchester who graduated after June 2013
- Teams – teams can contain up to six people but at least 50% of the team must be current students (UG/PG), postdoctoral research assistants at The University of Manchester or alumni of The University of Manchester who graduated after June 2013.
The Eli and Britt Harari Graphene Enterprise Award, in association with Sir Andre Geim, is an annual award to help establish new enterprises in graphene and other 2D materials at The University of Manchester. The award aims to encourage the development of new business opportunities identified through the submission of a business proposal by students, postdoctoral research assistants or recent graduates of the University
What we look for
The two prizes, of £50,000 and £20,000, will be awarded to the individual or team, whose proposal is deemed by the judges to demonstrate outstanding potential in establishing a new enterprise related to graphene and other 2D materials. Key to this will be a credible business case based on sound science. Judges will also be looking to evidence that the individual or, in the case of a team, the nominated lead entrant wishes to embark on an entrepreneurial career in innovation and commercialisation.
There are two stages to the competition. The first stage will be judged purely on submission of your pitch-deck and supporting documentation (see point 4, Terms and Conditions). All shortlisted entries will be asked to present in person to a panel.
Applications will be judged on the strength of their business case, as captured in the form of a PowerPoint Pitch Deck, to develop a new business. The award acts as seed funding to enable the award winners to take the first steps towards realising their plan. It recognises the role that high-level, flexible early-stage financial support can play in the successful development of a business targeting the full commercialisation of a product or technology related to research in graphene or 2D materials.
The prize money is awarded in three tranches to support the development of the opportunity. The award winners will also have access to start-up space on the University campus.
Anyone considering entering is encouraged to register their interest by e-mailing martin.henery@manchester.ac.uk. This will ensure you receive details of any workshops or seminars that are arranged to help you with your application.
Interested applicants are also encouraged to arrange a one-to-one meeting to discuss their idea; please contact either:
- Dr Martin Henery – martin.henery@manchester.ac.uk
- Dr Simon Howell – s.howell@2DConsulting.co.uk
The competition is funded by the North American Foundation for The University of Manchester, through the generous support of one of the University’s former students, Dr Eli Harari, and his wife Britt.
Useful links:
Read more about Eli Harari’s background
Read about Eli Harari’s visit to Alliance Manchester Business School here
Watch the video of Eli Harari’s visit to Alliance Manchester Business School
