Deadline:
November 13, 2026
Location(s)
Online United Kingdom
Shortlisted teams will then be invited to the grand final at SCI®, London, to pitch their ideas to a panel of high-profile industry and investor judges.
Overview
The Society of Chemical Industry holds The Bright SCIdea Challenge, which provides support for students at university in the UK and internationally, to develop an innovative science-based idea into a business plan and to compete for a prize worth £5,000. Entrants receive free business training and teams with the strongest business plan are invited to deliver their pitch to industry experts at the final, held at SCI, Belgravia, London.
Details
Bright SCIdea COMPETITION AIMS
The Bright SCIdea Challenge is a competition devised by members of SCI®’s College of Scholars to allow university students to develop and showcase their entrepreneurial and business skills.
There will be an opportunity for each registered team to engage in exciting business planning and pitch training which will help to enhance their business acumen and employability. The training will support teams in completing their Bright SCIdea business plan which should be submitted by Friday 31 January 2025, 12pm (midday).
The competition includes a number of networking activities, allowing participants to raise their profile amongst the commercial scientific community.
Key dates for Bright SCIdea 2027:
- Application deadline: 13 November 2026
- Business training Workshops: 26 and 27 November 2026
- Business Plan Deadline: Friday 31 January 2027
- Bright SCIdea Challenge 2025 Final: Tuesday 18 March 2027
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Eligibility and guidelines:
- Teams must be made up of 3 - 4 university students - please note you must be affiliated with a University (UK or international) at the time of registering.
- Attending the training sessions will help you with your business plan
- Business plans are to be submitted following the training sessions on Friday 31 January 2027 12pm GMT (midday).
- The Bright SCIdea competition final will take place on 18th March 2027 - you must only apply if you are able to attend on this date.
Dates
Deadline: November 13, 2026
Cost/funding for participants
All entrants to the Bright SCIdea Challenge receive:
- An exclusive video training course featuring masterclasses on numerous aspects of developing a business pitch, including how to market your product, protect your idea and manage your money.
- Networking opportunities and advice from successful entrepreneurs, investors and patent lawyers.
- Templates for all aspects of your business plan, and advice on completing them.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
