Coventry University students pitch innovative business ideas to help city charity

A group of students holding certificates

Students came up with some great ideas to help the charity

University news

Wednesday 15 January 2025

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A Dragons’ Den style event has seen Coventry University students showcase their innovative business ideas to a vital charity based in the city.

The four-week Hackathon project saw students engage in an immersive business consultancy project, working with the global charity Feed the Hungry, which is responsible for operating Coventry Foodbank.

The project revolved around finding new ways for Feed the Hungry to generate income and social value from its existing commercial kitchen, a significant challenge for the charity.

Following extensive research, site visits and the exploration of collaboration opportunities with like-minded organisations, the students presented their ideas in a Dragons’ Den-style pitching event, in front of some of the key leaders at the charity.

The winning idea involves the Foodbank collaborating with ACH, an organisation with offices in Coventry and the wider region supporting migrant communities.

It could see migrants run their own food businesses out of the foodbank’s commercial kitchen on a profit-sharing basis.

The model was deemed to offer a strong social impact, with the additional idea of the kitchen hosting cooking classes and community projects also welcomed.

The concept will now be further developed with Coventry University students remaining involved in the process, potentially enabling opportunities for volunteering work and business mentoring.

I would definitely recommend this sort of project to others seeking an opportunity to learn new things and develop skills while engaging in the community.

Coventry University student Caitlin Durcan

As part of the student journey we always aim to build students’ transferable skills through a series of engaging activities that are in line with Coventry University's defined Graduate Attributes."

Sheena Penney, Group Head of Enhancing Futures at Coventry University

This project was highly effective and we are excited to continue our relationship with Coventry University and its students. The innovative ideas and dedication demonstrated by the students will have a significant impact on our work in the community.

Gavin Kibble MBE, founder of Coventry Foodbank

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