A startup which has built a platform for reporting safety issues at live events has won Imperial's flagship entrepreneurial competition.
Reporti, founded by Global Innovation Design MSc graduate Gracie Broom, received a total prize of £30,000 at the Venture Catalyst Challenge (VCC) for developing a platform to make live events safer. They were awarded the prize after pitching their business to a panel of experts at the Science Museum.
"Innovation and entrepreneurship sit at the heart of Imperial's vision for the future, driving our ambition to be a world-changing university that transforms ideas into impact." Professor Peter Haynes Provost of Imperial College London
The startup is aiming to tackle concerns around safety at public events with a browser-based platform for users to report safety issues, share locations, and get instant guidance – without the need for mobile service or app downloads.
Its technology is designed to help venues by giving staff real-time information on urgent issues, while also using data and analytics to help prevent future risks. The startup has been piloting with Camden Market, Roundhouse, and Unlocked Shoreditch to develop the platform.
The Venture Catalyst Challenge is a competition for Imperial students, alumni and early career researchers that helps emerging startups develop their ideas for commercialisation.
Speaking at the Grand Final, Imperial's Provost Professor Peter Haynes said: "Each of the VCC teams represent the remarkable talent and drive that defines the Imperial entrepreneurial community.
"Innovation and entrepreneurship sit at the heart of Imperial's vision for the future, driving our ambition to be a world-changing university that transforms ideas into impact."
This year's VCC took 25 teams through a three-month programme of 1-2-1 coaching, meetings with experts, workshops and pitch training.
The expert judging panel for this year was:
- Nirmala Santiapillai, VP of Commercial Operations at Oxford Nanopore Technologies
- Rodrigo García González, co-founder and co-CEO of former VCC contestants Notpla
- Rebeca Santamaria-Fernandez, Director of Business & Corporate Development at Google DeepMind
Celebrating university innovation
This year's final saw a keynote speech from Ana Avaliani, Director of Enterprise at the Royal Academy of Engineering, who highlighted how university innovation will be crucial for the UK's future prosperity.
"Every major industrial revolution, from the steam engine to the microchip to AI, has been powered by the fusion of knowledge and enterprise, of research and real-world application, and that fusion happens most powerfully in our universities." Ana Avaliani Director of Enterprise at the Royal Academy of Engineering
Ana Avaliani said: "If we are to engineer tomorrow's economy - one that is sustainable, inclusive and globally competitive - we absolutely should recognise the strength of our greatest national asset: universities, the real engine of innovation.
"Every major industrial revolution, from the steam engine to the microchip to AI, has been powered by the fusion of knowledge and enterprise, of research and real-world application, and that fusion happens most powerfully in our universities."
Previous participants in the Venture Catalyst Challenge have gone on to form successful businesses, such as seaweed-packaging company Notpla, advanced battery management startup Breathe Battery, and sustainable agriculture company FA Bio.
Prize winners
All five finalists for this year's competition received £10,000 in prize money each, with an extra £20,000 for the top team. Alongside the Grand Prize, Reporti won the Digital & Finance category.
There were also awards presented during the Grand Final for participating teams who did not make the final five shortlist.
These awards were the Moonshot Prize for a team pushing the boundaries of innovation, the Impact Prize for a team having a positive impact on society, and the Tech for Good Prize (awarded in honour of Lord Harry Renwick).
- Isonik were awarded the top Moonshot Prize of £10,000 for developing ultrasonic sound wave technology to prevent ice buildup on wind turbines.
- Sekhmet were awarded the Impact Prize of £10,000 for developing a 'super plaster' for treating complex acute wounds.
- Aura Mine were awarded the Tech for Good Prize of £10,000 for their AI risk management tool for mine sites.
This year's other four finalists who won their individual tracks were:
- AI & Robotics winner (sponsored by Terra): Cardiovolt.ai - an AI platform to transform standard ECGs into an early-warning risk tool for heart disease.
- Creative and Consumer winner (sponsored by Imperial): PHLYXR - a non-hormonal lubricant which can reduce the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.
- Energy & Environment winner (sponsored by Intesa Sanpaolo's IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division): Muju Earth - a 'nature-activated' capsule that can aerate and enrich soil, addressing the issue of poor soil health in agriculture.
- Health & Wellbeing (sponsored by Novartis): Arcus Dental - a digital dental check-up device which lets patients and dentists monitor oral health anytime, anywhere.
