EnterpriseFest 2026: Celebrating student enterprise

EnterpriseFest returned for the first time since 2023, celebrating the entrepreneurial talent within our student and alumni community. Organised by the Student StartUp team in Careers and Employability, the event drew over 180 attendees and showcased the breadth of business ideas taking shape across the University - with a keynote from Tim Campbell MBE, known to many from BBC One's The Apprentice. 

The evening began with a StartUp Mini Masterclass hosted by The New Kind Community, where speakers shared insights on personal branding and building confidence, followed by the StartUp Showcase, open‑mic pitching and Tim Campbell speaking openly about the role of failure in his success, delivering a message that was both honest and motivating for an audience at the start of their entrepreneurial journeys.

The event on 19 March was MC’ed by University of Portsmouth alumnus and Entrepreneur in Residence Josh Robinson, founder of LMSUK.

During the showcase, an impressive range of students and alumni presented their businesses. Exhibitors included:

• LocalLinked, a rewards platform connecting students with local businesses
• Stiikme, a creative sticker business
• Brisk, a coffee and matcha brand, plus many more

An open‑mic pitching session then took centre stage, judged by our Entrepreneurs in Residence, including BBC News presenter Anjana Gadgil. Founders made their case to the panel, with Elizabeth and Isobel from Brisk taking the top spot. A well-earned result from two founders with a clear vision and the confidence to communicate it.

Behind the event is a team that supports students and alumni year-round. The Student StartUp team offers expert advice, workshops, co-working space and networking opportunities, all at no cost and with no loss of ownership over ideas. Through The Enterprise Programme, students and recent graduates can access funding, one-to-one support and tailored guidance, alongside workshops and events designed to build real enterprise skills and connections with industry leaders.

EnterpriseFest is a testament to the ambition and talent in our community, and a reminder of what becomes possible when that talent is given the right support. Catch up on photos and a highlight reel from the event through our website.