UNiDAYS names top 10 student founders
UNiDAYS announced the ten finalists of its nationwide Student Startup Accelerator programme, delivered in partnership with Student Venture and Canopy Community, designed to discover and accelerate the next generation of entrepreneurs.
The Student Startup Accelerator programme, launched in November, brought together 100 aspiring student founders from universities across the UK in a six-week, internationally recognised accelerator delivered by Canopy Community, designed to develop innovative businesses and prepare participants for real-world success.
Throughout the programme, founders were supported to refine and validate their business ideas through customer insight, build their own pitch decks and early-stage assets, and develop their presentation skills through pitch practice and investor readiness sessions.
Following the conclusion of the programme, ten student founders have been invited to pitch their businesses at a Pitch Day on Wednesday 27th May 2026, to a panel of expert judges, investors and industry leaders, including celebrated entrepreneur Simon Squibb.
The finalists include Abraham Orherhe, founder of tPay365 – a fintech platform designed to help users manage payments and better control their finances; Natalie Weir, founder of Playivity – an edtech startup using wearable technology and data to help increase physical activity among children; and Hussnain Khan from the University of Liverpool, founder of OMO, a platform specialising in unlocking early career opportunities for students.
The full list of winners is:
- Hussnain Khan – OMO – University of Liverpool
- Abraham Orherhe – tPay365 – City University of London
- Sebastian Kot – Provenance – City St George’s, London
- Natalie Chiedza Mbonjani – PalmPro – University of Reading
- Amaan Khan – Aspire – University of Warwick
- Natalie Weir – Playivity – University of Derby
- Amelia Vincent – Middle – University of Lincoln
- Mara James – Okino – London Interdisciplinary School
- Mark Edwards – SLVR – Bayes Business School, London
- Oscar Heaney – Far From Travel – University of East Anglia
Josh Rathour, Founder of UNiDAYS, said: “Throughout this programme, it’s been incredible to see the ambition and creativity from student founders across the UK. From healthcare innovation and affordable travel to financial literacy programmes, the ideas we’ve seen showcase the best of Britain’s entrepreneurial spirit. We’re incredibly proud to be working with Student Venture and Canopy Community on this initiative, and I can’t wait to see the final pitches at our live event next month.”
Stewart Noakes, Chair of the Board at Canopy Community, said: “The Student Accelerator shows just how important confidence and support are for young founders. Since we opened applications in November, it has been amazing to see the range of businesses young people are pursuing today, and the drive they have to succeed. Good luck to all of the finalists!”
Liam Jeffery, Founder and CEO at Student Venture, said: “The level of passion and commitment shown by every student in this initiative has been truly impressive. At Student Venture, we’re focused on helping students turn ideas into action, so we’re proud to have worked with UNiDAYS and Canopy Community and to support founders at a pivotal early stage. The ten finalists are a reflection of the hard work which goes into this journey, and we’re excited to see them pitch their ideas later this month.”
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