Making sustainable ideas a reality – just IMAGINE if…
Our pioneering social enterprise research grant scheme, just IMAGINE if…, will return in 2026, giving three members of our University community the chance to turn their idea into reality.
just IMAGINE if… invites bold and innovative ideas that can be supported with funding and expertise from the University of Reading and Henley Business School to become a business venture that makes a positive difference to the world.
The transformative initiative was created by University of Reading Chancellor, Paul Lindley OBE, in 2019 and this is the third year it has been run at Reading.
Previous winners have been backed to develop a musical education tool for neurodivergent learners, sustainable emergency shelters for refugees, and a sustainable, ethical drink made from Peruvian crops.
Launching in March 2026 for our centenary year, just IMAGINE if… will this time be exclusively open only to Reading staff, students and alumni around the world, supporting the ideas and talent that exist within our global community.
Scheme details
As ever, the scheme will invite ideas that address one or more of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
It reflects Paul’s and the University’s commitment to using business and research as a force for good and empowering our community to tackle global challenges such as poverty, inequality, disease and climate change.
Ten finalists will be named next summer, and will be supported to pitch their ideas to a judging panel including the Chancellor in September 2026.
The three best ideas will then be chosen and each will receive a £5,000 cash prize and a year of expert mentoring from academics at Henley Business School and social enterprise leaders and entrepreneurs.
They will also be supported to refine their business propositions and prepare for investment pitches to the Henley Business Angels investment network and the University of Reading for research support.
Paul Lindley OBE, University of Reading Chancellor, said: “As the University celebrate 100 years of academic excellence, we’re excited to support the next generation of changemakers.
"just IMAGINE if… 2026 is a chance for our community to turn their visionary ideas into impactful enterprises.”
Prepare for launch
Staff, students and alumni are encouraged to start shaping their ideas ahead of the scheme’s launch, expected in March 2026. Full details will follow early next year.