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Student innovation takes centre stage at York Guildhall

Student innovation takes centre stage at York Guildhall

Posted on 25 February 2026

The next generation of York’s business leaders have gathered at the historic Guildhall for the Vision Summit, a student-led initiative aimed at strengthening the city’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Organised by the University of York Entrepreneur Society, the event saw the city’s historic chamber move from civic debate to business pitches, as student founders presented a range of innovations to a panel of industry leaders.

The summit was designed to connect the University’s emerging talent with the regional business community, highlighting York’s potential to retain high-skilled graduates within the local economy.

The evening featured a “Shark Tank” style competition where students presented their ventures to a judging panel of local founders and business representatives. Student innovations included CreFresh, a pre-made creatine drink for the fitness market; Social Hub, a secure digital platform for university societies; and ReRack, a social tracking app for weightlifters.

Talent and creativity

Maisy Whitehead, President of the University of York Entrepreneur Society and founder of VegoPak – a sustainable bio-polymer with potential to replace traditional plastic – , said: “The Vision Summit has been a fantastic opportunity to showcase the talent and creativity on our campus. Seeing my fellow students stand up in the Guildhall and hold their own with industry leaders makes me incredibly proud. There is a thriving culture of enterprise at the University, and this event has been the perfect way to connect with local founders and demonstrate that student innovation is essential to the future of York.”

The event featured keynote addresses from Anna Richey, CEO of Two Chicks, and Ryan Atkins, CEO of Supercycle. A judging panel comprising representatives from Barclays Eagle Labs, Portakabin and Touch Right Software provided live feedback on the commercial viability and scalability of the student ventures.

Brilliant reflection

Professor Kiran Trehan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Enterprise, Partnerships and Engagement at the University of York, said: “The energy at the Guildhall was a brilliant reflection of the entrepreneurial community we are cultivating here at York. Our role is to provide the platform and the partnerships, but it is the students who bring the innovation and determination. Seeing them thrive and receive such constructive feedback from industry experts is exactly what we hope for when we talk about York being a supportive home for the next generation of business leaders.”

The Vision Summit was supported by Barclays Eagle Labs and the York Giving YUFund. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that York’s student innovators are equipped with the professional networks and practical insights needed to launch successful ventures within the region.