meet your 2024 finalists

Antonios’ business idea uses AI to enhance CubeSat technology, improving performance and autonomy. Integrating AI into communication, control, data processing, and energy management boosts efficiency. This AI-powered technology meets the demand for cost-effective satellite solutions in space science and Earth observation.

Autumn’s business is a recurring cabaret show will be hosted in Sunderland, the first of its kind in the city. Showcasing mainly local talent, the show will feature different themes based on the time of year, current trends, and popular culture. This initiative aims to attract people to the city and celebrate local performers.

Anatolij created two educational plush toys and an educational colouring book for children aged 5-7 years old. The aim is to inspire healthy habits and create lasting memories with Veggie and Fruit Friends, each made from six different fruits and vegetables. The accompanying activity book encourages healthy snacking, dental hygiene, and choosing spring water over fizzy drinks, while the plush toys and colouring book promote creativity and cognitive development.

The convention focuses on the costume-making community, bringing together photographers, crafters, and costume makers to create, host photoshoots, and network. Unlike typical comic-con events, there are no actors or autograph sessions. It provides a unique space for enthusiasts to collaborate and celebrate their craft.

She is a fine artist, oil painter, and modern surrealist, creating art that explores mental reality to help others explore their minds without barriers. Aiming to promote mental health awareness and empower people, he sells original pieces, prints, and stationery. She plans to do gallery shows and talks to spread her knowledge and art.

The business focuses on bridging the gap in financial education in the UK through an app designed to guide young people on optimising their finances. It educates users on best saving practices and financial planning to help them achieve financial competence and security. Finance BAE aims to equip young people with the tools needed for financial freedom and success, preventing costly mistakes and promoting a better quality of life.

Kahanda’s platform is a clothing rental service featuring unique, upcycled garments created in partnership with local designers and tailors. It caters to eco-conscious consumers who value sustainability and wish to express themselves through fashion without contributing to fast fashion waste. This service promotes environmental responsibility while offering stylish, one-of-a-kind clothing options.

Roya’s idea introduces a unique line of sportswear for gym beginners, featuring motivational phrases to boost confidence and ease their fitness journey. This project targets common fears, such as judgment, lack of fitness knowledge, and intimidation by experienced gym-goers, which often deter people from returning to the gym. The brand aims to create a welcoming, inclusive gym environment through supportive apparel, making fitness more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Winny’s idea is to create a function room for parties, events, and to address the lack of event spaces for middle school kids. She aims to provide a venue catering to teenagers and preteens, offering alcohol-free events and avoiding exposure to older generations. The function room will host conferences, networking events, and more, with a focus on flexibility and a modern look to accommodate diverse communities.

Kultivar is an online/ pop-up tea business that sells ethically sourced teas from around the world and provides mindful and ceremonial brewing techniques to its customers through in-person and online workshops.

ROXID is a user-friendly platform for sustainably managing heritage monuments and predicting future conservation needs. Traditional methods of surveying and documenting historical monuments are costly, time-consuming, and often short-term. ROXID aims to prevent research duplication, predict future repair needs, and generate sustainable management practices, reducing the number of samplings and improving conservation efforts.

Marka is a sustainable consultancy offering the UK's first sustainability rating for hospitality. It provides this rating through sustainable action plans tailored for hospitality businesses. Marka's goal is to enhance sustainability practices within the industry.

Having experienced the benefits of exercise on mental health, she envisions creating a gym wear brand that supports mental well-being. The brand will offer high-quality, comfortable, and durable products while donating a percentage of profits to mental health charities. Inspired by her own struggles and observations during lockdowns, she aims to fill the niche for gym wear that promotes mental health, partnering with charities such as MIND and Epilepsy.

Sjb Wellbeing: A holistic approach to wellbeing, helping people feel and look good inside and out while transforming their lives through overcoming limitations, mental health challenges, trauma, and abuse.

The Sensual Healing Lab offers organic, vegan aromatherapy products designed to engage the senses. Temitope’s handmade products include soy wax candles, therapeutic wax melts, herbal tea blends, essential oil roll-ons, and herbal sleep pouches, all perfected over three years using expertise from a Pharmaceutical Chemistry degree. Available online and seasonally at Tynemouth markets, these products are ideal for those seeking premium quality self-care items.

Paul’s business is an entertainment agency dedicated to supporting talented solo artists and bands, from street buskers to bedroom singers, especially those who have lost confidence due to mental health issues. They provide necessary equipment, promote artists on social networks and their website, and organise showcases where multiple artists perform together to build confidence. Run by musicians for musicians, they also offer mentoring, coaching, and opportunities to record in studios, aiming to help artists take the first steps towards success.

The business offers energy consultancy and brokerage services, helping companies optimise their energy usage and reduce costs. They provide expert advice on energy efficiency, procurement, and sustainability strategies tailored to each client's needs. By leveraging industry knowledge and market insights, they aim to deliver significant savings and promote sustainable energy practices.

Legacy Guardians ensures individuals and their families feel supported and secure during illness or grief. They organise important information into a Legacy Vault using AI Assistance and provide an emergency helpline for financial support during crises. Initially focused on property investors and landlords, their long-term goal is to support every family in the UK.

Foundation For Good is a distinguished charity dedicated to uplifting vulnerable individuals in England's most deprived communities through innovative educational approaches, mental health services, and community engagement initiatives. They operate a food bank, provide inclusive combat sports and boxing programs, and offer comprehensive wellbeing support services for both youth and adults. By partnering with schools and social prescribers, Foundation For Good aims to foster positive transformation and holistic support across various age groups and community needs.

EVOL is a leading, rapidly growing entertainment company offering diverse entertainment options. From hosting the biggest fight show in the North East to producing documentaries and videos, EVOL provides accessible and enjoyable content for everyone. They collaborate with local organisations, services like The Mental Shift C.I.C., upcoming videographers and artists, various businesses, and soon local universities and colleges.

Providing a professional, cost-effective funeral service for Sunderland and surrounding areas, offering families affordable funerals without compromising quality. Their services ensure that families can honour their loved ones without financial strain. They are committed to delivering compassionate and respectful funerals that don't cost the earth.

Advertise1 supports small businesses with their online presence by building and maintaining websites, teaching website management, and providing technical support. They thrive on customer satisfaction, understanding that each client has unique needs and budgets. Based in the PROTO building in Gateshead, Advertise1 offers assistance both on-site and at customer locations, depending on the business's requirements.

Mamma Social Co is a parenting organisation that combats isolation and loneliness while showcasing essential local and national brands. Kayleigh identified a significant need to support parents and provide a platform for brands to connect with them. Mamma Social Co supports brand exposure through events, podcasts, and partnerships, helping parents access valuable products and services.