For many students, i-Lab (part of the Rob Wood Enterprising Futures Academy) was more than just a programme—it was an eye-opening journey into the world of entrepreneurship. Designed to equip university students with the skills needed to tackle real-life business challenges, i-Lab allowed participants to think differently, collaborate across disciplines, and unlock their potential. Throughout the programme, students learned that entrepreneurship isn't just about having an idea—it's about fuelling that idea with the right resources, mindset, and support.
Zaheer, one of the participants, captured the essence of i-Lab perfectly: “The journey was intense, especially during the first few weeks when we were stepping out of our comfort zones to work with a team of people we’d never met before." With students working on projects outside of their typical fields, it led them to see problems from fresh perspectives.
“I always saw myself as more of a ‘traditional employee’—someone with a fixed career path,” Zaheer admitted. But i-Lab opened his eyes to something bigger. "It got me thinking about how I could use my architectural skills to start a business or leverage what I’ve learned to push myself further in my career. The whole experience made me rethink what’s possible.”
Finding inspiration and belief in potential
One of the most inspiring parts of the programme for many students was their interaction with successful entrepreneur Rob Wood. Rob’s journey resonated deeply with the participants, as he shared not just his successes, but the challenges and failures that shaped his entrepreneurial path.
For many students, hearing Rob’s story was a turning point. "Rob made us realise that the only limits are the ones we place on ourselves," one student shared. "He showed us how important it is to fuel our ideas with the right resources, to believe in what we’re capable of, and to never underestimate the power of persistence."
Rob’s journey gave them a sense of confidence—that with the right guidance and the willingness to push their boundaries, their ideas could truly flourish. It was a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship isn’t something reserved for a few, but an opportunity for anyone who is willing to take the leap.
Tapping into the University’s rich support network
Another key takeaway for students was the extensive and incredible support available from the university. Whether it was guidance on stakeholder mapping from the Academic Lead, Graham, help with problem-solving, or the multidisciplinary expertise of their peers, students were constantly surrounded by resources that helped fuel their growth.
“Working closely with the support team at various levels of the university made us realise how much guidance is out there for students with entrepreneurial aspirations,” one student remarked. "We didn’t have to go do it alone—there’s always someone available to offer advice, answer questions, or help you see things from a new angle."
From mentors to guest speakers, the programme was filled with people who shared their stories, experiences, and practical insights. One student even found a guest entrepreneur’s story directly aligned with his own start-up plans, providing him with invaluable advice on navigating the early stages of a business.
Building Smarter with an invaluable network
Beyond the guidance and resources, i-Lab also introduced participants to an exceptional network. The university’s entrepreneurial ecosystem was described as "one of the best," where students could connect with people who had already walked the path they were just starting. The value of this network, for many, was the ability to learn from others' experiences and start their entrepreneurial journey in a smarter, more informed way.
"The connections we made during i-Lab were incredible. There’s always someone who has gone through what you’re facing and can share their lessons with you," one participant said. “It’s not just about starting a business; it’s about doing it with the knowledge and insights that make the journey more efficient.”
A Journey of discovery and growth
The i-Lab programme was truly a transformative experience for the students who took part. It wasn’t just about learning business skills or working on real-life problems—it was about discovering what they’re capable of and how much potential they have to offer. From one’s realisation that he might be more than just an “employee-type person,” to the inspiration drawn from Rob’s story, i-Lab pushed students to think bigger and bolder.
Through the multidisciplinary collaborations, interactions with mentors, and the incredible support network, students gained a deeper understanding of the entrepreneurial world. And perhaps most importantly, they learned that they’re not alone on this journey. With the right mindset, resources, and connections, their ideas could truly come to life.
For many participants, the programme was a springboard to bigger dreams, new ventures, and a future where they fully believe in their potential to make a real impact.
If you would like to take part in the next i-Lab, you can find out more apply for the i-Lab Student Participant role. Deadline for applications is 2 December 2024.