QUB Partnership

Designed to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators, the competition gives students the opportunity to pitch original ideas in a professional environment while competing for prizes that support the development of their entrepreneurial ambitions. The programme not only celebrates creativity and innovation, but also helps students build valuable skills in communication, leadership, teamwork and problem-solving.

For the past 15 years, Ormeau Business Park has proudly supported the competition and its mission to encourage entrepreneurial thinking among university students. Through its continued involvement, OBP has helped support an initiative that provides students with valuable real-world experience and encourages them to turn ideas into opportunities.

By investing in programmes such as the What’s the Big Idea Awards, OBP continues to support innovation, nurture future talent and help inspire the entrepreneurs of tomorrow across Northern Ireland.

Encouraging Entrepreneurship and Creativity

The What’s the Big Idea Awards challenge students to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions, products and business concepts.

Throughout the competition, participants work to refine their ideas before presenting them in a professional and competitive setting. Students compete for prizes while gaining valuable experience that helps prepare them for future careers and entrepreneurial opportunities.

The initiative creates an environment where creativity, innovation and ambition are encouraged, helping students gain confidence in both their ideas and abilities.

About Ormeau Business Park

Located on the regenerated Gasworks site in Belfast, Ormeau Business Park is home to a thriving business community made up of innovative companies, entrepreneurs and organisations from a wide range of industries.

As an organisation committed to supporting business growth and innovation, OBP recognises the importance of investing in future talent and encouraging entrepreneurship at an early stage.

Supporting the What’s the Big Idea Awards reflects OBP’s ongoing commitment to helping create opportunities for young people to develop confidence, creativity and entrepreneurial ambition.

Partnership with Queen’s University Belfast

The long-standing partnership between Ormeau Business Park and Queen's University Belfast has helped the competition continue to grow and inspire students year after year.

Together, the organisations have created opportunities for students to engage with entrepreneurship in a practical and competitive environment while gaining valuable experience presenting ideas professionally.

The competition helps strengthen the connection between education, innovation and business, encouraging students to explore future opportunities within entrepreneurship and enterprise.

About the Competition

The What’s the Big Idea Awards are designed to give students practical experience in developing and presenting business ideas.

The competition provides students with an exciting opportunity to showcase their ideas while competing for prizes that recognise creativity, originality and entrepreneurial potential.

Impact and Achievements

Over the past 15 years, the competition has continued to encourage innovation and entrepreneurial thinking among students at Queen's University Belfast.

The programme has helped students strengthen important professional skills while gaining valuable exposure to entrepreneurship and business development in a real-world setting.

Its continued success highlights the importance of supporting future talent and creating opportunities that encourage innovation, ambition and creativity.

Peter Gilleece is one of the standout entrepreneurial success stories to come out of the university’s “What’s the Big Idea?” competition.

Back in 2019, while studying Mechanical Engineering at Queen’s, Peter won the “Most Innovative Idea” award at QUB’s annual student entrepreneurship competition, “What’s the Big Idea?”, with an idea for 3D-printed body armour.

After winning “What’s the Big Idea?”, Peter kept building the idea through other QUB entrepreneurship programmes, including QUB Dragons’ Den, where he received funding in 2020. Today, Peter is the founder and CEO of Vikela, a Northern Irish body armour company developing lightweight, flexible, and more sustainable protective gear.

Naomi McGregor, one of our own tenants, has also participated in this “What’s The Big Idea” competition. Naomi is now the founder and CEO of MoveTru.

Looking Ahead

Ormeau Business Park remains committed to supporting initiatives that encourage entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity among young people.

Looking to the future, OBP hopes to continue supporting the What’s the Big Idea Awards and helping students gain opportunities to develop ideas, build confidence and explore their entrepreneurial potential.

By continuing to invest in initiatives such as this, OBP is proud to help inspire and support the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

Conclusion

For 15 years, Ormeau Business Park has proudly supported the What’s the Big Idea Awards and its mission to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship among students at Queen's University Belfast.

The competition continues to provide students with valuable opportunities to develop business ideas, compete for prizes and gain real-world entrepreneurial experience in a professional environment.

Through its continued support, OBP remains committed to encouraging future innovation, supporting young talent and helping inspire the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.