Flare is open to all current University of Hertfordshire students, whether full-time or part-time, as well as alumni who have graduated within the past four years.
You don’t need previous experience running a business or working as a freelancer — just an innovative idea for a product or service, or an existing business launched within the last four years. Flare is here to help you develop your idea and build your entrepreneurial skills — how far you take it is up to you.
You can enter Flare individually or as a team of up to two people. Teams can include a mix of current students and recent alumni (up to 50%), and may also include one external team member who is not from the University of Hertfordshire.
We take confidentiality seriously. All Flare entries are treated as confidential, and anyone involved in reviewing or judging submissions is required to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
Flare is split into two rounds, spread over four months. At each stage, there is a bespoke programme of support through group workshops, webinars and one-to-one advice sessions.
Round 1: Entry
Submit your round 1 entry via Handshake, ensuring you provide your student or alumni number.
If you have a disability and require any adjustments to meet your needs, please email enterprise@herts.ac.uk. One of the team will get back to you to confidentially discuss how best we can help. Where possible please give at least three days’ notice of your requirements.
Shortlisting
All entries will be reviewed and screened by a panel of judges. Finalists will be selected from this round and invited to present their ideas at the final pitch event.
Results will be announced by email. Successful entrants must confirm they’d like to continue into the final round before advancing.
Round 2 – Finalist pitches and award presentations
Finalists will attend a pitch practice event, where you'll learn how to craft the perfect pitch and test your skills in front of other finalists, with support from the enterprise team. Once your pitch is polished, you’ll go on to the final event of the competition, Pitch Day, where you'll have a chance to shine in front of the judging panel.
Our diverse panel of judges bring extensive knowledge and experience in business and entrepreneurship to the competition. They know great ideas when they see them and are looking to score you on the selection criteria but also the quality of your pitch, your answers during a rousing question-and-answer session, and the way you present yourself as an aspiring entrepreneur.
Winners will be announced and celebrated at the Flare awards event.
Award categories
Flare Enterprise Champion - £3,000
The standout entry across both pathways. Judges will assess potential, clarity, execution, and impact to crown the most outstanding venture.
Best New Idea - £2,000
For the most promising early-stage concept. It might not have launched yet, but the idea is strong, well-researched, and ready to grow. This is perfect for those finishing the Foundations programme.
Best Pitch - £2,000
For the most compelling and engaging presentation. This award recognises storytelling, clarity, and delivery—even if the idea is still at an early stage.
Best Positive Impact - £2,000
For the idea with the most potential to create meaningful social or environmental change. Sustainability, inclusion, mental health, education, and more.
Best Creative Idea - £2,000
For ventures built on creative talent—whether in arts, design, media, or any other creative field.
Engineers and Scientists in Business Fellowship - £1,500 - £3,000 (£3k prize must be split across two to three winners) - funded by ESBF
Supported by the Engineers and Scientists in Business Fellowship, this award is available to entrants whose team members are studying engineering, science or biomedical degrees. Ideas do not need to have an engineering, science or biomedical focus to qualify for this prize. Please note sports science and geography students cannot apply in this category.
To enter, you must be a registered Herts student or have graduated no later than 2022.
Selection criteria
During the final round of the competition, your pitches will be considered and scored against the selection criteria outlined on our resources pages. Please head over to the Career Centre pages to access this information.
How we help you grow your ‘Big Idea’
The concept of running your own business may seem daunting, especially if you are doing so for the first time. Here at Herts, we support all budding student and recent alumni entrepreneurs, whether you’re ready to enter Flare or just starting to explore an idea.
From workshops to one-to-one advice sessions, we have a wealth of resources on offer to help you develop your business concept, covering everything from first ideas to full launched ventures.
Visit our Handshakepages to book into one of our sessions.
