Excellence in entrepreneurship
A transformative wider student experience
Our students and graduates push the boundaries of possibility in entrepreneurship and innovation around the world.
Global Entrepreneurship Week
We celebrated our inspiring student and graduate entrepreneurs as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week (Monday 18 – Sunday 24 November). Discover how they are bringing their ideas to life to make the world a better place, with the support of our Venture Lab team.
Sparking new ideas
There are a range of enterprise schemes, competitions and more that students can get involved in to develop themselves and achieve outstanding things.
How our students get involved
Skills for the future
We encourage our students to seize development opportunities throughout their Durham journey. Applying a holistic approach across all aspects of University life, from College activities and academic programmes, through to the Venture Lab team, ensures that a set of core attributes flourishes within our student body. Students are supported to build on their unique strengths to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Testament to this approach are many success stories from our students and graduates, including Hey! Food is Ready, which was a finalist in 2023's Great British Entrepreneur Award; Charter, which has worked with global space organisation NASA; and IMPOSSIBREW, which pitched to a high profile panel for business investment on the popular UK TV show Dragons' Den.
We're proud to have been shortlisted for the 'University of the Year for Graduate Employment' by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 also.
Read the latest from our wider community
We are celebrating our student and graduate entrepreneurs this week as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week (Monday 18 – Sunday 24 November).
Our alumni inspire the extraordinary
Our global alumni community continues to inspire our students, leading by example and supporting those who are just starting on their entrepreneurship journey.
Find out more
Meet some of our entrepreneurial alumni who have created innovative startups that are already positively impacting the world. Between them they have reached great heights, including being named as a finalist in Prince William's international Earthshot Prize, and featuring in the prestigious Forbes' 30 under 30 list.
Nurturing curious minds
Our staff members include entrepreneurial leaders who are active in their fields. Academics work at the cutting-edge of entrepreneurship thought leadership and research, sharing insights from industry experience through academic programmes and mentorship. Our Venture Lab team offers practical advice, connections, and more to help student entrepreneurs grow and flourish.
They are all passionate about supporting our students to learn and grow from their entrepreneurial experiences.
Meet our staff
Venture Lab team
How our staff get involved
Professors in Practice are experienced professionals across a wide variety of disciplines and sectors, who share their skills and knowledge directly with students, bringing public distinction and practical insights to the classroom.
IMPACT is our Business School's thought leadership magazine, showcasing the impact we have throughout our communities and the business world. It encompasses research on entrepreneurship and innovation, such as exploring the relationship between entrepreneurship and mental health.