Redmond Prize Fund Aims to Fuel Student Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Liverpool John Moores University

What is the Redmond Prize Fund?

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) has introduced the Redmond Annual Prize for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, a £2,500 award designed to help students turn promising ideas into tangible ventures. Named after Sir Phil Redmond and his wife Lady Alexis, the fund is a partnership between the university’s Corporate Communications and Student Futures teams and the Redmonds, who bring decades of industry experience and a genuine interest in nurturing the next generation of innovators.

Why It Matters for Student Entrepreneurs

Student‑led startups often face a common hurdle: access to early‑stage capital and mentorship that can move a concept from sketchbook to prototype. The Redmond Prize directly addresses this gap by providing not only funding but also structured support. Sir Phil stated, “We want to create a programme to encourage people with just the spark of an idea to see where it could take them. This can be the catalyst for real game‑changing innovation.” For students, the prize offers a clear pathway: an initial financial boost, a proven track record of mentorship, and a reputation boost that can open doors with investors and industry partners.

How the Fund Supports Innovation

Unlike one‑off scholarships, the Redmond Prize is an integrated programme. Recipients receive:

• £2,500 cash to cover prototype costs, market research, or seed e‑commerce setups.
• Access to LJMU’s Start‑Up Hub resources, including co‑working spaces, equipment, and administrative support.
• Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, alumni, and industry partners who have been involved in licence deals, EU research contracts, and corporate spin‑outs.
• Opportunities to present at the university’s annual Pitch Day, where venture capitalists and corporate investors often attend.

Eligibility and Application Process

The prize is open to all registered LJMU students across undergraduate, postgraduate, and foundation programmes who are developing a new venture. The concept can belong to any discipline – from digital health to creative media, from sustainable materials to food tech. Applicants need only show that they have a viable business idea and a basic plan for execution.

To apply:

1. Visit the expression‑of‑interest page on LJMU’s website: Redmond Prize Expression of Interest.
2. Fill out the form with personal details, a concise pitch (≤200 words), and outline the intended use of the £2,500.
3. Submit by the deadline that varies each intake; the first round is open until 31 January 2026.
4. Selected applicants will be contacted for a short interview and a deeper business plan submission.

Call to action: Discover how to apply for the Redmond Prize Fund today.

Preparing a Winning Proposal

A clear, concise pitch makes the difference. Here are actionable steps students should follow:

• Define the problem space – what real‑world need does your idea address?
• Illustrate the solution – use diagrams or prototypes to show feasibility.
• Show market traction – early customer testimonials or a survey that validates demand.
• Explain how the £2,500 will be spent – be specific about costs such as software licenses, materials, or market testing.
• Outline a timeline and measurable milestones for the first 12 months.

Remember, the judges will also gauge your passion and the potential for scalability. So, keep the narrative engaging and evidence‑based.

Leveraging University Resources

Once you’re in the process, tap into the following assets:

• Student Futures Start‑Up Hub: co‑working spaces 24/7, lightning‑fast Wi‑Fi, and a library of startup templates.
• Business Coach Network: students can book 30‑minute sessions with alumni entrepreneurs.
• Finance & Grants Office: guidance on available funding schemes beyond the Redmond prize, like Innovate UK or student loan extensions.
• Legal Aid Office: free counseling on intellectual property, registration, and contract basics.

Consider attending workshops such as “Pitching to Investors” or “Lean Startup Methodology” held monthly at the campus business centre.

Call to action: Explore the Student Futures Start‑Up Hub resources now.

Success Stories and Case Studies

LJMU has a history of nurturing student ventures. Even before the Redmond Prize, the university helped launch companies like Eco‑Loop, a biodegradable packaging start‑up, and HealthHive, a digital platform connecting patients with mental‑health professionals. These examples illustrate the typical pathway: start with a solid idea, secure backing from the university, iterate rapidly, and seek external investment.

For students aiming to build a career in entrepreneurship, the Redmond Prize can serve as a springboard to further opportunities, such as entry into the Future Leaders Fellowship or a placement with a leading tech firm.

Next Steps and Final Advice

1. Research the market and refine your pitch based on feedback from peers and mentors.
2. Prepare a detailed budget that outlines how every pound of the £2,500 will accelerate product development or go-to-market activities.
3. Complete the expression‑of‑interest form before the deadline and stay engaged with the Student Futures team for updates.
4. Use the time between application and interview to build a minimal viable product – even a mock‑up can strengthen your case.
5. After the award, keep your mentor network active; the university’s alumni community often brings practical opportunities and potential co‑founders.

Whether you’re engineering a breakthrough in sustainability or brainstorming the next social media platform, the Redmond Prize is an open invitation to transform a concept into reality. The £2,500 can cover initial costs you otherwise would be unable to afford, but the real value lies in the structured support that follows.

Call to action: Submit your application today and start the journey from idea to impact.

For further guidance, schedule a free consultation with a business mentor, or stay updated by following LJMU’s news feed for future funding calls and entrepreneurship events.

Call to action: Schedule a mentoring session now and take your idea to the next stage.