Henley Business School hosts exciting IDEAFEST 2025 final

Finalists:

Efficura – Hospital logistics management system (Zach Croft-Sharland)

Grit – AI-powered leadership development platform (Wei Zhang)

Jarioke’s Jollof Sauce – West African sauce for rice (Janet Otite)

Re+Spore – Biodegradable cutlery from mycelium (Yaroslav Tsyhanenko & Vlad Melnyk)

Stallion Heating – Fuel from horse manure (Tom Lancaster-Eastwood)

Your Haven – Emotional healing and wellness solutions (Ying Xie)

Winning businesses and prize monies:

Best Overall Idea – Jarioke’s Jollof Sauce (£1,000)

Second Place – Re+Spore (£750)

Third Place and Best Sales Proposition – Stallion Heating (£500 + £750)

Best Idea for China – Re+Spore (£3,000)

The winner of the Best Overall Business Idea was Janet Otite with Jarioke’s Jollof Sauce.

An excited Janet said:

"Winning IDEAFEST is a dream come true. The support and feedback from the judges and fellow competitors have been invaluable. I am thrilled to take Jarioke’s Jollof Sauce to the next level."

In second place and winner of the Best Idea for China was Re+Spore. Yaroslav and Vlad were both elated. Yaroslav remarked:

“A massive shoutout for the opportunity to dive into something so rich with experience, growth, and fresh vibes. IDEAFEST isn’t just an event – it’s a full-on journey that fires you up and sets your sights on crushing that final success."

Wining the Best Sales Value Proposition was Tom Lancaster-Eastwood who spoke enthusiastically about IDEAFEST said:

“The IDEAFEST competition is a great opportunity for anyone wanting to test their limits, challenge themselves and earn significant cash prizes. I'm so happy I took part and would thoroughly recommend to anyone considering getting involved next year.”

Mark Shraga, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at SCG, and IDEAFEST judge, commented:

"IDEAFEST continues to inspire and nurture innovative minds. We are proud to support such a dynamic competition that fosters entrepreneurial spirit."

Andrew Gaule, who represented Savio Kwan added:

“It was an honour again to be a judge at the Henley Business School IDEAFEST business competition.”

With thanks to Southern Communications Group and Savio Kwan, former President of Alibaba, sponsors of IDEAFEST.