Ignite 2025 finalists

Six social entrepreneurs emerging from UK universities have been selected to pitch for funding at Ignite, after last year’s finalists shared more than £300,000 for their start-up businesses.

The Ford Family Foundation’s flagship event will be hosted at Barclays Innovation Hub powered by Eagle Labs in Shoreditch on the evening of Tuesday 21st October, 2025. The six social venture finalists will each receive pitching and bespoke accelerator support from Ignite innovation partner Barclays Eagle Labs, as well as access to digital resources. A £50,000 prize pot will be shared on the night, with last year’s finalists being awarded a further £280,000 after the inaugural event at The Shard.

Tony Ford, Founder of the Ford Family Foundation, commented: “The standard of applications this year has been outstanding, making the selection of finalists no easy task. The calibre of founders speaks to the extraordinary talent emerging from universities across the UK. Each of the ventures we are celebrating through Ignite demonstrates the kind of entrepreneurial talent and social purpose that we believe will shape the future. It is a privilege to support and showcase their work.”