LSBU entrepreneurs awarded at South Bank Ignite ceremony
The South Bank Ignite finals – the culmination of months of hard work by LSBU student and recent graduate entrepreneurs to hone their business ideas – took place in June. From over 100 applications, just 21 made it to the May semi-final, where they presented to a team of judges, including distinguished alumni, past South Bank Ignite winners, and LSBU staff.
17 of those progressed to the final, where they were awarded funding and access to further support for their idea as a reward for their pitch.
The third annual LSBU entrepreneurship competition kicked off in October 2024, when current students and recent alumni from all disciplines and backgrounds submitted ideas for problem-solving businesses, freelancing services, social impact enterprises, side hustles, and passion projects.
From January through April, applicants attended exclusive workshops, received 1-2-1 mentoring with members of the South Bank Starters team, and joined a supportive community of their peers to develop their idea. From understanding their customer, defining their business models, and gaining confidence to pitch before an audience, South Bank Ignite participants persevered to submit a second competition application with more information about their further developed concept.
The second round of applicants were judged, with successful applications receiving additional 1-2-1 support on their path to the Semi-Finals. Those who did not meet the Semi-Final benchmark had the opportunity to join the first Breakthrough Prize award.
The finals took place on the LSBU campus in central London, taking over the LSBU Hub to host the festivities. There was a buffet on offer, and each finalist had their own stand where they enthusiastically spoke to attendees about their business ideas – the passion was clear to see.
The main event of the evening was the awards presentation, led by Mohammed Ali, Head of Entrepreneurship. The excited winners in each category collected a trophy and a photo with a giant cheque in front of a packed-out hall, full of families, friends and LSBU academic staff who turned up to support their students.
Here are the winners in each category
Product Category
- Ignite Award: Gracie Symon – HerSites
- Accelerate Award: Arabella Shaw – Always Arabella
- Spark Award: Miguel Manalili and Amy Truong - Lianhua
- Highly Commended: Inshra Rizwan and Syed Shujahat Ali Shah – Sywan London
Service Category
- Ignite Award: Joanne Longdon-Xavier – Xavier Ed
- Accelerate Award: Emily Morris – EFM Synergy Health
- Spark Award: Deniz Urgun – Cultural Playboo
- Highly Commended: Danilo Milic – Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes Chiropractic
Innovation Category
- Ignite Award: Nasif Bin Saif - MandiGrip
- Accelerate Award: Luke Handley and Philippa Peart - Trades Tools Ltd.
- Spark Award: Arran Gengadoo - SilverSonic
- Highly Commended: Farid Moulaye – Noorlytics and Sarah Tucker – Freedom Helmets
Impact Category
- Ignite Award: Muhammed Amin Boussetoua- DZ Skateboards
- Accelerate Award: Aleisha Lloyd - Sustainably Styled by Aleisha Lloyd
- Spark Award: Sarah Trieu - Craft Bear Studios
- Highly Commended: Hibak - Modestly Scrubbed
Read more about the South Bank Ignite winners and Semi-Finalists and their businesses: South Bank Ignite 2025.pdf
The evening was a vibrant celebration of the entrepreneurs, their efforts and talents, and we’re excited to follow their journeys. This is just the beginning for many who will dive deeper into their business development with the South Bank Works incubator programme, sell their goods at a future Product of South Bank Marketplace, or inspire new entrepreneurs as judges or mentors at LSBU. Follow their progress as they develop world-changing ideas, or join upcoming events and competitions, by visiting the South Bank Starters website.