Spark Awards - do you have a winning business idea?

Congratulations to the winners of the Spark Autumn 2024 programme, who were awarded £500 to help develop their exciting business ambitions.

We spoke to some of the winners about how the Brookes Enterprise Support business course helped them bring their start-ups to life.

Do you have a winning business idea? The Spark programme is back this semester at the Enterprise Centre, Headington Campus, starting on Tuesday 11 February. The six-week course is open to all Brookes students, staff, and alumni of up to seven years. Find out more and apply for the Spark Spring 2025 programme.

Gautam Manoj (MSc International Business Management) and Koushik Saravana Krishnan (MEng Motorsport Engineering) - Discera

“Discera is an innovative gamified learning platform that merges education and entertainment. Gamified means that students explore subjects through reward-based immersive games that teach concepts via storytelling, puzzles and challenges. The platform analyses each student’s progress and tailors content to their individual pace and learning style. We want to capture the attention and interest of students who may not thrive in traditional methods.

“Taking part in the Spark programme was incredibly enriching for us. It gave us valuable insights into entrepreneurship, including aspects such as business models and pitching for funding, and has sharpened our vision for Discera. The collaborative environment encouraged creative thinking and allowed us to connect with like-minded people, fostering a sense of community. We will use the Spark Award funding to develop our prototype, conduct user research in schools, and begin our marketing and outreach efforts. Ultimately, our aim is to scale Discera into a global gamified education platform.”

Vanessa Barzasi (BA Economics graduate) and Ayrton Barzasi (BSc Genetics and Genomics) - Safe Seas Innovations

“Safe Seas is a bracelet for divers equipped with GPS for precise location and communication with other divers and nearby boats. The bracelet includes sensors that emit frequencies designed to deter potentially dangerous marine animals, such as sharks or triggerfish, without causing them harm. The idea for Safe Seas Innovations originated while we were working on BioBright, our innovative startup that helps the maritime industry to reduce CO2 emissions and water pollutants. We identified the need for a system to protect divers from hazards like getting lost or potential shark encounters.

“The Spark programme was a fantastic experience. It helped us refine our financial knowledge and improve our understanding of the Business Model Canvas, enabling us to strengthen the foundation of our business idea. We are currently focused on creating and testing the prototype for Safe Seas Innovations. The Spark award funding will be instrumental in helping us bring this idea to life and ensuring its practical viability.”

Micaela Cirilo (MSc International Business Management) - Quick Drops

“I have always been passionate about both entrepreneurship and fitness. As a powerlifter, I like to follow a healthy, high-protein diet, which is what led me towards developing an alternative to traditional pre-workout drinks - including coffee. Quick Drops will be sublingual drops (which means under the tongue) made from 100% natural ingredients, designed to help people quickly and conveniently boost their energy levels. 

“The Spark programme was a really valuable experience. It helped me refine my business idea, from product development to marketing strategy, and gave me the confidence to take the next steps in bringing Quick Drops to market. I also had the chance to pitch my idea in front of industry experts and receive constructive feedback, which was both challenging and rewarding. My plan now is to use the Spark Award funding to further develop the product and cover some of the initial manufacturing costs. My goal is to build a brand that stands for healthy, sustainable and effective alternatives to the conventional supplements on the market. Thank you to the Enterprise Support team at Brookes for the opportunity, and I would encourage other students with business ideas to take part.”