NatWest supports entrepreneurial talent at University of Reading’s VIBES Week

NatWest worked with the University of Reading during VIBES Week to help over 600 first-year business students develop and pitch their own business ideas. 

The event was part of its work to support communities and connect with future talent in the UK.

More than 20 NatWest staff took part, supporting teams as they came up with and presented business ideas. 

Five groups reached the final stage and pitched their ideas to judges from NatWest.

The winning team, Bio Stitch, received £500 from NatWest for their idea for medical stitches that change colour when infected. 

Other groups put forward ideas such as Trust Fall, inflatable clothing to protect vulnerable young people; Rollback, a retro DVD café rental; Elev8 Early, a portal for young people not in education or work; and Eco Refillary Pod, a vending machine for reusable container refills.

NatWest staff led coaching sessions over two days, helping students with business ideas, planning, and presentations. 

Faye Long, South West board chair at NatWest, said: “VIBES Week is a unique opportunity to inspire and support the next generation of innovators.