Triple your chances of success in our competition by entering TWO categories of your choice, as well as automatically entering the Online Peoples' Vote!

The Categories

	TATA SOCIAL IMPACT
	Does your business have a passion to drive positive social impact globally? This category is for those businesses aimed at making the world a better place, focusing on the critical challenges in the UK and worldwide, as well as look to address the Sustainable Development Goals laid down by the United Nations.
	TATA EARLY STAGE
	Does your business have an idea which could be bold, transformational or the next “big thing”? This category is for those businesses with fledging ideas and early stage concepts, who have not yet become revenue generating.
	GENUINE INNOVATION (with Tata Consumer Products)
	Does your business have a new way of dealing with existing processes or an industry field? This category is for those businesses seeking to disrupt, improve or enhance the way things are done in an enhanced or unique way.
	DIGITAL & TECHNICAL (with JLR)
	Some of the fastest growing businesses in the global economy have been apps and digital ventures. If you think that your app, hardware or online product or service has the potential to change the trajectory of technological discovery or transform the digital world, then we want to see your application.
	CREATIVE & DESIGN (with Tata Consultancy Services)
	Does your business have the flair and talent to succeed within the world of the creative industries? This category is for those businesses working within the lifeblood of the creative industries, arts, design, fashion, gaming, marketing, media, music and software development.
	HEALTH & WELLBEING (with Tata Communications)
	Does your business have the have the digital solutions to help businesses succeed? This category is for those businesses who look to enhance the fastest growing usinesses in the global eIs your enterprise tapping into the vast potential of the health and wellness industry worldwide? This category is for innovative ventures aiming to promote

ONLINE PEOPLES’ VOTE

We are giving one business the chance to be fast-tracked from the application stage straight through to becoming a finalist, simply by creating an online viral campaign to promote your video entry so get thinking how you can showcase your idea succinctly...

The applicant with the highest number of digital votes by midday on Friday 29th September 2023, will be announced along with our shortlisted candidates for the semi-finals, on Monday 2nd October 2023.

Each applicant has to decide on their participation in the Online Peoples’ Vote in the competition’s application form. If you change your mind, you can reach out to NACUE team via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and let us know.

Each confirmed application will be uploaded on the Tata Varsity Pitch website for the start of the Online Peoples’ Vote, all you need to do is get those votes rolling in!!

HOW?

Get your friends, family, teachers, your next-door neighbour… anyone you can think of to vote for your business idea. They can do this by heading to the Tata Varsity Pitch website and signing up via the Online Peoples’ Vote registration page, one vote per registration. Voting opens midday on Monday 26th September to midday Friday 29th September 2023.

Sharing on social media? Remember to use the hashtag #VP2023

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When do entries open & close?

A: Entries will open at 12:00 Midday on Tuesday 1st August and close at 12:00 Midday on Friday 8th September 2023.

Q. Am I eligible to apply?

A: The competition is open to current students or those graduating in 2018 and after from any UK university, college and further education institution.

Q. How do I apply?

A: You can apply by completing the application form online.

Q. Can I submit more than one application?

A: Yes, you can submit more than one application, if you are currently working on more than one business idea.

Q: What sort of supporting materials should be submitted?

A: In the online application, we ask for an elevator video pitch where you get to tell us about yourself and your venture or business idea. The video should be up to 60 seconds and is a short compelling speech designed to spark interest in your business or idea concept. Check out our Top Tips on how to prepare your 60 seconds video pitch.

Q: Are my ideas kept confidential?

A: We don’t share your application publicly. Your full application will only be seen by the category’s judging panel and NACUE team. However, we share on our Tata Varsity Pitch website a summary of Semi-finalists’ and Finalists’ business idea and video pitch they provide in advance. If there is any information in your application which you are particularly concerned about, please advise our team via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Q. I have an existing video pitch which is longer than 60 seconds – can I still enter it?

A: You are welcome to enter an existing video, however the judges will only take the first 60 seconds into consideration when shortlisting, to keep the process fair. You should ensure therefore that all the relevant information is included in those first 60 seconds. It is strongly recommended that you review the ‘Application Pack’ which recommends the aspects to include.

Q. Someone in our group isn’t a student or recent graduate – can we still apply?

A: Yes, certainly so long as at least one member of your business meets the criteria then it does not matter if there are other members who do not. If this is the case, the submission should be in the name of the individual who meets the eligibility criteria.

Q. Can I apply if my business concept is at the early stage and not generating revenue yet?

A: Absolutely! The ‘Early Stage’ category is just for you! We’re looking for the most creative and innovative ideas out there, whether they are just an idea on paper or a fully-fledged business already selling a product. Remember every business needs to start somewhere...

Q. Does my business need to be for the UK market?

A: No but the business needs to be UK based. The competition allows for you to launch your business internationally so long as you attend a UK university or college or have graduated from a UK university or college no earlier than 2018.

Q. I have returned to my home country, I'm exceptionally keen to enter the competition although I'm not sure whether I will be eligible to apply?

A: You can enter the competition from any location around the world. However, If you are shortlisted as a finalist you will have to come to the UK for the 2-day Bootcamp in October and Grand Final event in November.

Q. If I have already submitted my application can I update my 60 second video pitch?

A: We cannot edit any applications however you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request that your application be deleted. You are then responsible for re-submitting your application through a new application.

Q. How do I know that the other applicants Online Peoples’ Vote is genuine?

A: All voters must register to vote on the Online Peoples’ Vote portal, one registration represents one vote. Any pitches which have unusual or suspicious voting activity on them will be subject to investigation by NACUE and may result in disqualification from this and all future NACUE competitions.

Q. How does the Online Peoples’ Vote work?

A: This year’s Online People’s Vote will open 12:00 Midday Monday 25th September to 12:00 Midday Friday 29th September 2023. All submitted video pitches will then be published onto our Tata Varsity Pitch webpage and you can then share this amongst your networks to gain votes, so get preparing your strategy! Your supporters can vote for your video pitch and the one with the highest number of votes will be fast-tracked to the Bootcamp and Grand Final in Global Entrepreneurship Week. The Online Peoples’ Vote winner be contacted first and then publicly announced on Monday 2nd October 2023 via social media, so keep an eye out...
Note: It is not compulsory to enter the Online Peoples’ Vote, you can opt out using the appropriate section of the online application form.

Q. When will I find out if I’ve reached the semi-finals?

A: You will be contacted on Monday 2nd October 2023. Please ensure that you have provided the correct contact details on your application. If you have not received confirmation by close of business on the 2nd October 2023, regrettably you have been unsuccessful this year. Due to the significant number of applications we receive, unfortunately we are unable to provide individual feedback at this stage of the competition.

Q. Does the competition offer any support or mentorship?

A: Yes! We offer a 2-day bootcamp for the shortlisted finalists and, if you make the most of it, quite often mentors and speakers will be happy to exchange contact details. After the competition, Tata will stay in touch as much as you want. Any updates about your business, we always welcome you dropping us a note at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., so we can try and support you where we can.

Q. Do I need to be available for all dates?

A: If you are shortlisted, you will be required to pitch online on Thursday 12th October 2023. If you are later selected as a category finalist, you must be able to attend in-person the 2-day mandatory Bootcamp on 30th – 31st October 2023 and the Grand Final* on week commencing 13th November 2023. * The Grand Final event is based in London and travel and accommodation are at the applicant's own expense.

Q: Can I apply for the competition multiple times?

A: Absolutely. Your idea can evolve and develop throughout the years, so you can apply every year while you are eligible to enter the competition (up to 5 years after graduated) and not a winner.

Q: Do I need to have a registered company in order to apply for the competition?

A: No, you don’t need to have a registered company to enter the competition. However, if you win the competition, you will be required to set up a bank account in the company name before the prize money can be released. Read more in our T&Cs.

Terms and Conditions

By applying for Tata Varsity Pitch 2023, you hereby agree to the following terms and conditions:

GENERAL

• Current UK student or have graduated in 2018 or after
• Business or business idea is UK based
• Consent for use of collateral, where applicable, in associated publicity
• Agree to contact from Tata and/or associated companies for duration of competition
• Have authority from business partners/co-founders to act as lead
• Abide by all competition rules and conditions

WINNNER

• No Directors of the company have any formal connection with (other than as winners of the Tata Varsity Pitch Competition) NACUE (registered charity number 1139550) or NACUE UK Limited (Company number 6885463)
• No Directors have been disqualified as a director or barred from owning or managing a company
• No Directors have been involved in or convicted of any fraudulent or criminal dealings
• No Directors have been made or declared bankrupt in the last 5 years
• Certify that the £15,000 prize money will be re-invested in the business and will not be used for personal use or gain.
• The business holds a UK bank account in their company name. NOTE: If you do not hold one already and win the competition, you will be required to set up a bank account in the company name before the prize money can be released.