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ELEVATE Engineering Pitch Competition

University of Exeter’s annual Elevate Competition is designed to encourage and support engineers who want to take their ideas from the drawing board to the marketplace. It received solo and interdisciplinary team applications from across the university, with entrants including current and recently graduated engineering and computer science students.

FIRST PLACE: RENT A DRONE

Project:

Rent a Drone is a service designed to provide farmers and agricultural businesses with access to drone technology for efficient crop monitoring and management. 

Traditional farming practices often rely on manual labour and guesswork to assess crop health, leading to inefficiencies and potential yield losses. Rent a Drone enables farmers to gather real-time aerial data, allowing them to optimize resource allocation, detect diseases early, and improve overall productivity. By providing an affordable, on-demand drone rental service, this innovation helps farmers integrate precision agriculture techniques without the high costs of purchasing drone technology themselves.

Students:

  • Anya Morris - Engineering and Entrepreneurship
  • Lorenzo Satta Chiris - Engineering and Entrepreneurship

Awarded: £1,000

SECOND PLACE: CLUBSAFE

Project:

Clubsafe is a security-focused initiative designed to enhance safety within nightclubs and entertainment venues by implementing technology-driven solutions. 

With the rise in concerns around personal safety and venue security, Clubsafe aims to bridge the gap between patrons and venue management through an integrated app-based system. This system will allow users to discreetly report concerns, access real-time venue safety ratings, and receive emergency assistance when needed. By leveraging data analytics and partnerships with security professionals, Clubsafe will not only create safer nightlife experiences but also support businesses in maintaining compliance with safety regulations and reducing liability risks.

Students:

  • Oliver Rayner - Engineering and Entrepreneurship
  • Alex Bailey - Engineering and Entrepreneurship

Awarded: £750

THIRD PLACE: BARBASED

Project:

BarBased is a platform focused on revolutionising customer service and interaction in bars through technology and data-driven solutions. 

The hospitality industry faces challenges such as long wait times, inefficient order processing, and a lack of customer engagement. BarBased introduces a mobile ordering and payment system that allows patrons to browse menus, place orders, and make payments from their phones without waiting for bar staff. This innovation increases efficiency, reduces crowd congestion, and enhances the overall customer experience. By incorporating loyalty rewards and personalized recommendations, BarBased also helps bars drive customer retention and increase sales through targeted promotions.

Students:

  • Huw Holliman - Engineering and Entrepreneurship

Awarded: £425

FOURTH PLACE: THE JEWELLERY FORGE

Project:

The Jewellery Forge is an initiative focused on modernising the traditional jewellery-making process through innovative and sustainable methods. 

Many jewellery manufacturers rely on outdated techniques that produce significant waste and environmental impact. The Jewellery Forge introduces 3D printing and advanced metalworking technologies to create custom, high-quality jewellery with minimal waste. This approach not only improves efficiency but also allows for greater creativity and personalisation in designs. Additionally, the business will incorporate ethically sourced materials, promoting responsible consumerism. By bridging craftsmanship with technology, The Jewellery Forge aims to make premium jewellery accessible while supporting sustainability efforts in the industry.

Students:

  • Kieran Morris - Mechanical Engineering

Awarded: £350

FIFTH PLACE: BLACK AND WHITE

Project:

Black and White is a business dedicated to making engineering more inclusive and accessible for underrepresented groups. 

Engineering and STEM fields still struggle with diversity, which limits innovation and representation. Black and White aims to tackle this problem by offering mentorship programmes, networking opportunities, and educational workshops to aspiring engineers from diverse backgrounds. By partnering with universities, companies, and industry professionals, this initiative provides resources to students who may not have access to them otherwise. Through scholarships, internships, and advocacy, Black and White seeks to close the gap in engineering and create a more inclusive industry for the future. The programme also includes outreach programmes in schools to inspire the next generation of diverse engineers.

Students:

  • Mayomide Soremekun - Engineering and Entrepreneurship
  • Finlay Harris - Engineering and Entrepreneurship

Awarded: £300

SIXTH PLACE: MODFIX HOUSING

Project:

Modfix Housing addresses the growing issue of unaffordable and unsustainable housing by offering modular, prefabricated homes designed for urban and rural environments. 

Traditional housing development is costly, time-consuming, and often inefficient in land use. Modfix Housing introduces a scalable, eco-friendly housing model that utilises recycled materials, energy-efficient designs, and customisable layouts. These modular homes can be rapidly assembled and adapted to different needs, making them an ideal solution for low-income families, temporary housing for disaster relief, and urban expansion projects. By providing affordable, sustainable housing solutions, Modfix Housing helps combat the global housing crisis. The business also includes a rent-to-own programme, helping individuals transition from renting to homeownership affordably.

Students:

Rupert Ferguson - Engineering and Entrepreneurship

Awarded: £175

POSITIVE FEEDBACK

“We are immensely proud of the record-breaking 68 University of Exeter Sciences and Engineering students who stepped forward to showcase their creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit in this year’s ELEVATE Pitch competition. Their ambition and drive reflect the very best of Exeter’s talent. We are deeply grateful to EIBF for their generous £6,000 in prize funding, which continues to empower the next generation of engineers and scientists to turn bold ideas into real-world impact.”

Professor Ion Sucala
Head of Engineering
University of Exeter