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Ipswich Thrive Business Week 2025
The Ipswich Thrive Business Week 2025 is a key event for students wanting to explore entrepreneurship or intrapreneurship, as well as for business professionals looking to connect with emerging talent.
The University of Suffolk’s Careers, Employability and Enterprise (CEE) and Knowledge Exchange teams are delighted to be participating in Ipswich Borough Council’s Ipswich Thrive Business Week which takes place from 10 – 18 March 2025. We are running a number of events which will showcase the University of Suffolk’s academics, alumni, CPD, civic responsibilities, facilities, funding opportunities for organisations, student and graduate entrepreneurial talent.
Careers, Employability and Enterprise
Through a series of preparation sessions and a dynamic showcase event, students will choose to explore one of two exciting pathways: Intrapreneurship, focusing on solving real-world business challenges within organisations, and Entrepreneurship, where students can pitch start-up ideas to industry experts. Throughout the event, participants will take part in workshops, mentoring sessions, and a final showcase of innovative ideas and solutions to employer challenges.
This is a fantastic opportunity for students to develop entrepreneurial skills, connect with local employers, and network with fellow innovators. It’s also a great chance for local businesses and entrepreneurs to engage with emerging talent and explore new collaborations.
In addition to the exciting opportunities at the Ipswich Thrive Business Week 2025, we are pleased to announce that there will be two £100 cash prizes awarded at the showcase, along with a catered, low-key celebration and certificates of achievement for all participants.
Research and Knowledge Exchange
Our University of Suffolk Unlocked event is designed to highlight the University’s commitment to its civic responsibilities, foster collaboration and encourage meaningful research and knowledge exchange partnerships.
The event is aimed at:
- Academics keen to develop or engage in research and knowledge exchange projects.
- Community leaders exploring opportunities for civic engagement and collaborative initiatives.
- Businesses aiming to innovate and grow through knowledge exchange and knowledge transfer partnership opportunities.
Some highlights of the event include:
- Panel Discussions
- Research and Knowledge Exchange Marketplace: -An interactive space that showcases research projects, facilitates knowledge exchange, explores opportunities for collaboration, and fosters connections that drive impactful outcomes.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers from various sectors to establish meaningful partnerships.
- One-on-One Consultations: Engage with the Knowledge Exchange team to explore opportunities for impactful collaborations.
Join us for the first session of this exciting series, where employers will present real-world business challenges through online/recorded pitches. This session is designed to engage students by encouraging them to brainstorm and ideate solutions to these challenges or come up with their own start-up ideas. It’s a great opportunity to dive into practical problem-solving and get creative with innovative business concepts.
In this interactive workshop, we’ll guide you through the next steps in developing your idea and turning it into a compelling pitch. Learn the key elements of storytelling, how to structure your presentation, and techniques to engage your audience. Whether you're refining a business idea or preparing to present, this masterclass will equip you with the skills to effectively pitch your concept with confidence and impact.
Get ready to refine your pitch in this hands-on practice session! You’ll have the opportunity to present your ideas and receive constructive feedback from both peers and mentors. This interactive session is designed to help you hone your presentation skills, fine-tune your messaging, and build confidence before your final pitch.
Join us for the grand finale of the Ipswich Thrive Business Expo, where students will pitch their innovative ideas or solutions to real-world business challenges presented by employers. This event features two exciting entrepreneurial pathways: Intrapreneurs, who will tackle business challenges within organizations, and Entrepreneurs, who will showcase their start-up ideas.
Don't miss the opportunity to see fresh ideas in action and celebrate student creativity and entrepreneurial spirit!
This event highlights the University of Suffolk's commitment to civic responsibility, collaboration, and research partnerships. It connects academia, community, and business sectors to drive innovative solutions. The event targets academics, community leaders, and businesses looking to engage in research, civic initiatives, and knowledge exchange opportunities.
Attendees can participate in expert-led panel discussions, explore research projects at the Knowledge Exchange Marketplace, network with peers from various sectors, and engage in one-on-one consultations with the Knowledge Exchange team to explore potential collaborations.