Making sustainable ideas a reality – just IMAGINE if…
Our pioneering social enterprise research grant scheme, just IMAGINE if…, has returned for 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 ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø and Henley Business School to become a business venture that makes a positive difference to the world.
The transformative initiative was created by ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø Chancellor, Paul Lindley OBE, in 2019 and this is the third year it has been run at ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø.
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.
just IMAGINE if... is now open for 2026 and will this time be exclusively open only to ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø students and alumni around the world, supporting the ideas and talent that exist within our global community. The deadline for applications is midnight on 31 May 2026.
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.
After the submission stage, 10 finalists will be selected and announced this summer. The finalists will then work with experienced and successful entrepreneur mentors and Henley Business School academics to build their business from scratch.
They will also receive intellectual property advice from world renowned legal firm Hogan Lovells, and presentation skills training from global youth organisation One Young World, before delivering a final pitch to a panel led by Paul in September.
Three finalists will then be chosen by that panel to receive £5,000 of funding and further expert support to help turn their proposals into real business ventures.
Submit your idea
- Find out more about the scheme, read about previous grants, and submit your idea via the just IMAGINE If… website.
- Each submission should outline the idea and the benefits it offers to society and/or the planet.
- Entries close at midnight on 31 May 2026.
Apply now