UHI Business Competition 2027

How to enter

Applicants can enter individually or as a group and the closing date for entries is 12 noon on Tuesday 23 March 2027 all you need to do is complete your application using our online form and answer the following four main questions:

• Describe your business concept
  • What makes it unique? What specific need or problem are you addressing, and why will customers choose your business over others?
• What inspired you to develop this idea?
  • Was there a particular experience, challenge, or observation that sparked your creativity?
• Who is your target audience?
  • Define your customer base in terms of age, interests, and demographics. Will you cater to a specific group or a broader mix of people?
• What resources will you need to bring your business idea to life?
  • Consider physical space, equipment, team members, funding, and any other essential elements.

Please note that only applications submitted through the online system will be accepted for the UHI Business Competition. Upon submission, you will receive a confirmation email at your chosen address. Please check your junk mail in case it ends up there.

The system allows you to save your entry as you go, and an email with a link to your saved entry can be send to you from the form. Again, please check your junk mail to ensure you receive these emails. Once you are satisfied with your entry, simply click the 'Submit' button.

All information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality and shared only with approved competition organisers and judges, all of whom have signed a confidentiality and non-disclosure agreement. Your personal data is processed based on legitimate interest, as you have chosen to participate in the competition. It will be used solely for the purpose of managing the competition and will be deleted at the end of the current academic year. However, anonymised statistical and demographic data may be retained for research purposes.

Judging process

The UHI Business Competition judges will convene in April 2027 to review entries and select a shortlist of candidates.

Those shortlisted will be contacted by a member of the team and invited to attend the finals day on Wednesday 21 April 2027, in Inverness.

On this day, shortlisted candidates will:

1. Present and pitch their ideas to the judging panel.
2. Fulfil any additional terms and conditions, if applicable, to qualify for award funds.
3. Attend the prize-giving event, which will take place that evening in Inverness.

Where applicable, reasonable travel and accommodation costs for shortlisted entrants may be covered for the finals day, subject to prior approval from the competition organisers.

All shortlisted candidates will receive support to prepare for their presentation, including one full practice session with guidance.

Additionally, all entrants will receive an email outlining next steps, which includes information on other organisations that can assist with future plans, as well as details on other competitions they may be eligible to enter.

UHI Business Competition terms and conditions

To qualify for entry, applicants must:

1. Either be aged 16 years or over and live in Argyll and Bute, Highlands and Islands, Moray, or Perthshire and/or an enrolled student at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) or any of its academic partners.
2. Not be actively trading/registered with HMRC prior to 26 March 2025.
3. Submit a completed entry form by midday on Tuesday 23 March 2027.
4. Ensure that if you are a current or contracted member of staff of UHI or any of its academic partners, you can enter where the business idea is independent to your current post and/or area of research.
5. Be available to come and discuss your idea and attend a prizegiving at UHI Inverness on Wednesday 21 April 2027.
6. Accept that the competition organisers and judges’ decisions are final.
7. Confirm the idea submitted is your own intellectual property.

Our panel of experts and the competition organisers have signed a confidentiality agreement.

Disclaimer

Entrants are solely responsible for taking all necessary precautions to protect their Intellectual Property (IP). If you have any questions or concerns regarding IP protection, please contact the competition administrators prior to submitting your entry.

Contact information for advice, including accessibility

If you have any queries about the online form or would like it provided in another format please email businessidea.ic@uhi.ac.uk to discuss your requirements.

If you are invited to meet the judges in Inverness please advise us of any accessibility requirements.