The spirit of enterprise was alive and thriving at the University of Lincoln this week as four colleges from across the county, North Lindsay College, Grimsby College, Riseholme College and Grantham College, gathered for the grand final of the Lincolnshire Youngtrepreneur Challenge 2025, a celebration of youth innovation, creativity, and business acumen.
The day began with a relaxed networking lunch, giving students the opportunity to connect with peers from other schools and build confidence ahead of the main event. The atmosphere quickly turned electric as the young entrepreneurs were welcomed by a panel of inspiring local business leaders: Olly Prodger of Yelo Studios, Ed Crowther of MySquareMetre, and Kate Strawson of Shooting Star, chaired by Reece Leggett, Business Incubation and Growth Manager, University of Lincoln. Each shared their entrepreneurial journeys, offering insights into the challenges and successes of building a business from the ground up.
Following the panel session, the finalists took centre-stage to pitch their business ideas to a panel of expert judges: Ed Crowther, Founder of MySquareMetre, Jo Mason, Founder of Propulsion Coaching, and Jason Futers, Chief Growth and Innovation Officer at Lincoln City Football Club. The pitches ranged from specialised event management businesses to air travel accessories, showcasing the depth of talent and creativity among Lincolnshire’s next generation of business leaders.
Reflecting on the event, Reece Leggett said:
“The quality of the pitches was outstanding. These young people are thinking creatively, solving real-world problems, and presenting with confidence beyond their years. Competitions like this are vital, not just for developing business skills, but for showing young people that self-employment is a real and exciting career path.”
After a tense deliberation, the winners were crowned by Reece Leggett. The winning team, from Riseholme College and their product Moodle, was praised for their innovative concept, clear business strategy, and confident delivery. Moodle is an integrated pet-collar that tracks location and “mood” through data from heartbeat and body temperature.
“This competition is about more than just business,” said Reece. “It’s about empowering young people to believe in their ideas and giving them the tools to turn those ideas into reality. Every student here today is a winner.”
The Lincolnshire Youngtrepreneur Challenge continues to grow in impact and ambition, proving that the future of enterprise in the region is in very capable hands. For more information about Student Enterprise, and the work the University of Lincoln is doing to support entrepreneurship in Lincolnshire, email us at studententerprise@lincoln.ac.uk.