Venture Further Awards 2025: SEED student reaches finals with climate innovation
At the heart of the 鈥檚 mission to empower the next generation of innovators sits one of the University of Manchester鈥檚 most exciting enterprise competitions 鈥� the Venture Further Awards.
Launched to spotlight and accelerate student-led entrepreneurial ideas, the annual competition offers a vital springboard for University of Manchester students and recent graduates looking to turn their business concepts into thriving ventures. With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and social impact, the Venture Further Awards provide not just funding, but a powerful platform for recognition, mentorship, and long-term growth.
On Wednesday 11 June, the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC) marked its 25th anniversary in style with the Venture Further Awards 2025. Hosted for the first time at Sister, the University of Manchester鈥檚 flagship innovation hub, the event celebrated a record-breaking year, drawing 175 entries to the competition, a 22% increase on the previous year.
Students and alums of SEED were well represented in the entries and they made a strong impact, with one finalist showcasing innovative, socially-conscious solutions that reflect the school鈥檚 commitment to tackling global challenges through education and entrepreneurship.
SEED's climate innovation finalist: breaking language barriers in climate action
Thando Mathe, MSc Global Development, Environment and Climate Change, reached the finals with Khuluma, an AI platform breaking language barriers in climate communication across Africa.
Khuluma helps organisations save costs and reach millions in underserved communities with accurate, culturally relevant translations of vital climate adaptation information, making resilience strategies accessible to those who need them most.
SEED's Commitment to Entrepreneurial Solutions
Khuluma鈥檚 success at the Venture Further Awards highlights SEED鈥檚 strength in nurturing entrepreneurs who make a real global impact. By blending environmental science, education, and development studies, SEED equips students with the knowledge and insight to tackle complex challenges. Their ventures combine technical skill with cultural awareness and a commitment to social justice, driving positive change in communities around the world.
The evening celebrated not only the immediate winners but also the broader impact of entrepreneurship at the university.
Speaking at the Award ceremony, Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, said:
The remarkable success of our students and alumni at this year's Venture Further Awards demonstrates why entrepreneurship, innovation and social impact are central to everything we do at The University of Manchester. The Awards recognise the potential of early-stage entrepreneurs who are developing ventures that seek to shape a better future.
Aurore Hochard, Director of the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre, added: "The Venture Further Awards represent the culmination of everything we strive to achieve at the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre. For 25 years, we've been empowering students, recent graduates, and staff to take their first bold steps into entrepreneurship. Their creativity and determination continue to inspire everything we do at MEC."
The transformational impact of the awards was further emphasised by Mehdi Boudjadja, a previous VFA winner and entrepreneur, who reflected: "Winning the Venture Further Awards was transformational, beyond the crucial funding, MEC gave us the confidence, resources, and belief to turn our start-up into a global business. Without their support, we wouldn't be where we are today."
About the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre
For 25 years, the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre has empowered the next generation of business leaders through dedicated programmes, co-curricular activities, personalised advice, and competitions like Venture Further.
For more Information, see the full list of MEC programmes .