Eli and Britt Harari Enterprise Award

This annual award aims to help students, postdoctoral researchers, and recent graduates at The University of Manchester establish new companies involving graphene or other 2D materials.

Prizes of £50,000 and £20,000 will be awarded to the individuals or teams who can best demonstrate how their technology relating to graphene or other 2D materials could be applied to a viable commercial opportunity.

Applications will be judged on the strength of their commercial proposition to develop a new graphene or 2D material related business.

The award then becomes seed funding to allow the candidate to take the first steps towards realising this plan. It recognises the role that high-level, flexible early-stage financial support can play in the successful development of a business targeting the full commercialisation of a product or technology related to research in graphene.

If you would like support with your application, please email Scott Dean at scott.dean@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk who can meet with you to discuss. This will enable us to connect you with experienced professionals from the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre, as well as our intellectual property rights lawyers. Through this, you will gain valuable insights to assist you in completing the technical, intellectual property, and commercialization aspects of the formal application form.

Key Dates

  • Applications Open - Monday 11 March 2024
  • Bookable meetings to discuss your application with Scott Dean - 11th March - 23rd May
  • Information Session - Wednesday 17th April, 1-2pm (Enterprise Zone & Online)
  • Deadline for Applications – Thursday 23rd May at 12pm (Midday)
  • Applications Shortlisted - w/c 27th May
  • Applicants informed of outcome - Friday 31st May
  • Pitching Workshop - w/c 3rd June
  • Bookable appointments with industry experts for shortlisted finalists - 10th June – 21st June 
  • Finalists Pitching Day - Wednesday 26th June
  • Finalists Awards Event - Wednesday 3rd July

 

Eligibility

Applications are welcomed from students, postdoctoral researchers and recent graduates of The University of Manchester.

For further information please contact elibrittharariaward@manchester.ac.uk.

This competition is funded by the North American Foundation for The University of Manchester, through the generous support of one of the University’s former students, Dr. Eli Harari, and his wife Britt.