Enterprise Lab Awards

The Enterprise Lab Awards celebrate the people powering entrepreneurship at Imperial, from fearless founders to inspiring mentors, recognising those who turn bold ideas into real impact.

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About the awards

Key information

Award categories

Previous winners

Contact us

What are the Enterprise Lab Awards?

The Enterprise Lab Awards 2026 celebrate the outstanding individuals who are driving innovation, entrepreneurship and positive impact across the Imperial community. Each year, we recognise founders, innovators, mentors and advocates who embody the spirit of the Enterprise Lab through their achievements, leadership and commitment to supporting others on their entrepreneurial journey.

The awards shine a spotlight on those who are creating change, building successful ventures and helping to strengthen Imperial’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Winners will be announced at our Big Summer Social on Wednesday 12 August 2026, where we will come together to celebrate the people and achievements shaping the future of entrepreneurship at Imperial.

Nominations now open

What is the key information?

Why should I nominate someone?

By nominating another member of the community, you’re not only celebrating their achievements but also helping to build a culture of appreciation across Imperial Enterprise Lab.

What is the nomination process?

Complete the short nomination form for each category you wish to submit an entry to.

Write a compelling explanation with examples/evidence as to why the person you are nominating deserves to win.

The nominee will not find out who has nominated them; however, the Awards panel will be aware.

Who can I nominate?

Anyone within the Imperial Enterprise Lab community who has inspired you, supported you and helped you on your entrepreneurial journey.

You can nominate multiple people for the same category

Who can't I nominate?

You cannot nominate yourself.

You cannot nominate the same person for the same category more than once.

What does a good nomination look like?

A good nomination should be approximately 80-120 words (500 characters).

A good nomination will reflect what is in the category description.

A great nomination will provide examples.

What are the key dates?

Nominations open: 9.00 am, Wednesday 17 June 2026
Nominations close: 11:59 pm, Friday 17 July 2026
Judging starts: 9.00 am, Monday 20 July 2026
Judging concludes: 5.00 pm, Friday 7 August 2026
Awards evening: Wednesday 12 August 2026

What should I do if I have questions about the Enterprise Lab Awards?

Please get in touch with Daisy Gibson ([email protected]) and/or Candice Middleton ([email protected]).

How do I attend the awards evening?

You can register here, quickly and easily on our Eventbrite

What are the award categories?

Professional Staff Supporter of the Year

Celebrate a staff member whose operational, strategic, technical or administrative contributions have significantly empowered entrepreneurial initiatives. This is an individual who is a staff member of Imperial.

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Mentor/Expert of the Year

Recognise a mentor or expert who has gone above and beyond in supporting entrepreneurial growth at Imperial through guidance, insight, and generosity. This is an individual who is not a member of Imperial staff and who is linked to Imperial via one of our entrepreneurial programmes or services.

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Academic Entrepreneur of the Year

Recognise an Imperial faculty or academic staff member (current or past member of staff) who has successfully combined research and entrepreneurship to drive real-world impact via a spinout or startup, with a focus on what they have achieved in the last year

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Student/Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year

Honour an Imperial student or alumni entrepreneur who has achieved significant milestones or impact through their venture with a focus on what they have achieved in the last year.

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