Henley Business School hosts exciting IDEAFEST 2025 final
On April 30, 2025, Henley Enterprise Lab, at the Henley Business School hosted the final of the annual IDEAFEST Business Idea Competition, showcasing six standout entries from a record 27 submissions. The competition recognises top ideas in commercial potential, sales value proposition, and suitability for the Chinese market.
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.
