AUB celebrates student entrepreneurs and innovators at the 2026 Innovation and Enterprise Awards

Following a rigorous selection process and a live pitching event held at the Innovation Studio on 9 June, four exceptional students have each been awarded a £250 cash prize, alongside the opportunity to secure a free place on the prestigious Innovation Studio Creative Business Incubator to further develop their ventures.

The awards are split into two categories highlighting different aspects of creative commercial practice and social impact: the AUB Innovation Award recognises students demonstrating an exceptional approach to problem-solving with ideas or products that have significant development potential, while the AUB Enterprise Award celebrates an outstanding entrepreneurial mindset, acknowledging students who have launched or conceptualised their own businesses, including freelance and service-based creative models.

This year’s panel of judges included Clare Trevanion, Innovation Studio Senior Officer; Rob Fanner, Innovation and Business Development Manager; Steph Briggs, Senior Careers Coach; and Aditi Chotra, President of AUB Students' Union and 2025 Innovation Award runner-up.

“It was a really inspiring day," comments Clare. "I was genuinely blown away by the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of each of the eight students who made it to the pitch stage. It was a real privilege to witness.

“The calibre of the ideas presented was incredibly high, demonstrating exactly the kind of innovative thinking and commercial awareness that AUB students are known for. I look forward to continuing to support the winners as they take up the offer of a free place on our Creative Business Incubator and take their ventures to the next level.”

Jack Smith, a third-year student on the BA (Hons) Visual Communication course, won the AUB Enterprise Award for JohnSmithStudios, a dedicated creative studio focused on driving positive impact and helping people.

Jack explains, “Rather than focusing on a single subject, the studio brings together branding, creative direction, photography, campaign design and visual storytelling to help businesses, organisations and individuals communicate their ideas better.

“Winning the award was a huge confidence boost and a real validation of the work I have put into building the studio over the last few years. The goal is to continue growing JohnSmithStudios, building relationships with new clients and expanding the range of creative services I offer - but also expanding on the skills I have already acquired.  

“The place on the Creative Business Incubator will help me develop the business side of the studio, learn from experienced professionals and gain the support needed to turn a growing freelance practice into a long-term creative business. Winning the Enterprise Award has reinforced my ambition to pursue designing, professionally and has given me even more motivation to continue building something meaningful beyond graduation."

Amy Donnelly, a BA (Hons) Make-up for Media and Performance (now known as BA (Hons) Makeup, Hair and Prosthetics) student who won the AUB Innovation Award for Amy Donnelly Makeup, says, “I’m delighted to receive the AUB Innovation Award 2026 for my development of specialist wig and prosthetic design through the use of innovative digital technologies and 3D-printing.

“As our creative industries stand on the threshold of significant change, there is an opportunity to bridge traditional craftsmanship with emerging digital methods. Through my research and discoveries, I aim not to replace long-established techniques, but to enhance them, using digital tools to expand creative possibilities, improve education, and open new avenues for innovation.

“It was a privilege to present my projects to the panel of judges at AUB. I am incredibly grateful that Arts University Bournemouth continues to recognise and celebrate student work that is creative, ambitious, and original in its approach. Receiving the AUB Innovation Award 2026 is a tremendous honour, and I am excited to see where these ideas and developments will lead in the future.”

On her AUB Enterprise Award win for Service Break, an independent sports media and athlete platform, Grace Kenneally from BA (Hons) Film Production comments, “Service Break was created to bridge the gap between sport and the creative industry. The idea came from seeing how many athletes and creatives were going under the radar, and how difficult it can be for students to get a proper entry point into the industry. I wanted to build something that gave both groups a real platform, while creating work that feels intentional, professional, and community-led.

“It was amazing to be part of the awards process, and honestly, such a great experience to have the idea recognised in that way. The pitching process really pushed me to think clearly about what Service Break is, why it matters, and where I want to take it next. Winning has given me a massive boost of confidence to keep developing it.

“The next step is to keep building Service Break as both a media brand and a creative platform. The Creative Business Incubator is going to be incredibly valuable, giving me the support, structure, and space to develop the idea properly, especially around growth, partnerships, and turning the project into something sustainable for the long term.”

The four winners will be officially recognised for their achievements during this year's graduation ceremonies, where their names will be included in the formal list of awards.