During the programme students took part in a range of workshops across areas such as business finance, investment, market research, intellectual property and technology.
Also included was a session on vocal coaching and presenting with the University’s voice coach, which was particularly useful for the teams’ weekly practice pitches to University staff and volunteers, before pitching to local business experts and members of the Minerva group of business angels at the programme finale.
The new ideas ranged from bike locking stations and tea dispensing machines, to apps based around personal coaching, safety and student life.
Dr Amanda Berry, Academic Lead for Student and Graduate Enterprise, and Professor Anne Souchon, Professor of International Marketing at Loughborough Business School, said: “We’ve seen an enormous difference in the students between starting and finishing IDEA, particularly the quality of their weekly pitches in which their presentation and communication skills have improved almost beyond recognition.
“It’s been fantastic working with the teams, seeing how they’ve developed over the programme, leaving IDEA with newfound knowledge and transferable skills for the future. We can’t wait to see where they go next with their ideas!”