Boost your CV and develop employability skills such as creativity, problem-solving, innovation, public-speaking, and entrepreneurship by taking part in the University of Aberdeen's Lightbulb Ideas Competition 2025.
What is Lightbulb Ideas Competition 2025?
Lightbulb Ideas is the University of Aberdeen's annual entrepreneurship challenge.
On three consecutive Wednesdays on campus - 19 February (4pm to 7pm), 26 February (3pm start time), and 5 March 2025 - participants will work in small groups or individually to:
- Come up with ideas that solve or improve real-world problems
- Explore the possibility of turning these ideas into a real business or social enterprise
- Opportunity to pitch their product/solution and
- Win funding towards their idea
Here’s the Lightbulb timeline
- 19 February at 3pm: A fun and engaging Design Thinking Workshop, an extremely popular approach to problem-solving and critical thinking.
- 26 February at 3pm: First round of private pitching (just you/your team and the judges)
- 5 March at 3pm: The Finale and certificate ceremony—I’m hoping to celebrate you as the winner of the University's Lightbulb 2025 competition!
There are also cash prizes to be won (£3,600 prize pot) and every participant will receive a Certificate of Achievement for completing the three-day experience. Free pizza lunches and soft drinks will be served!
Who can take part?
Open to all University of Aberdeen current students and recent graduates (within the past two years), the Lightbulb Ideas competition offers networking, idea validation opportunities, and a chance to secure funding. Participants can apply to the ABVentures Microfinance Fund for a minimum of £1000 in funding.
- It’s FREE to take part.
- Business experience is NOT required - just an open mind, ambition and a passion for a problem you want to see solved.
- Students with or without an idea can apply.
- Individuals and teams can apply.
Prizes to be won
Participants who pitch will each receive a Certificate of Achievement.
1st place – £1,000
2nd place – £700
3rd place – £500
Engineering Prize - £800
Audience Favourite – Idea – £200
Audience Favourite – Pitch Finale – £200
Prize winners have complete freedom in deciding how to spend their prize money, with no restrictions or limitations.
How to enter the competition
Current students and recent graduates can enter the competition by filling in the form here.
Application Deadline: Midnight on Tuesday 18th February, 2025
Please read the Terms and Conditions of the competition.
Read here for more information, and guidance on what makes a great idea.
If you have any questions regarding the competition or require any additional support or assistance with your application, please send an email to abventures@abdn.ac.uk