Final of just IMAGINE if...
The final of just IMAGINE if…2026 was held at Henley Business School's Greenlands campus, in Henley-on-Thames, on Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 September.
The winners and their business ideas were:
Arnav Collaco - UoR alumnus, ‘Abiliti’ - a device for providing gait analysis during recovery collecting data from the use of walking aids, giving better insight to physiotherapists and better outcomes for patients managing long-term mobility conditions.
Godfrey Dekera - Henley Business School MSc student, ‘V-Vet’ - the delivery of an AI-powered platform for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa, accessible by smartphone, that reduces animal loss, linking farmers to veterinary intelligence and advice.
Paula Garzon - Henley Business School MSc student, ‘DUNA’ - a climate-smart luxury sleepwear brand, empowering women in vulnerable communities in Colombia by providing fair employment and supportive salaries while addressing the environmental challenges of fast fashion through durable, long-lasting products.
just IMAGINE if… is a social enterprise initiative and the brainchild of Paul Lindley, Chancellor of the University of Reading. Its aim is to promote and support fledgling business ideas that actively support one or more of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. You can find more about the award here.
The three successful finalists will each receive a cash award of £5,000 seed funding, plus ongoing support from the University of Reading, Henley Business School and business mentors, to help them to develop and scale up their sustainable and socially responsible business ideas.
Just IMAGINE if... 2026 began with current students and alumni from around the world invited to submit their proposals for scrutiny and shortlisting by an expert judging panel, with ten business ideas taken forward to the final. Those ten students and alumni were each provided with advice from successful entrepreneurs, alongside professional skills coaching and training. The individuals then had to prepare and pitch to an invited group of business professionals. Congratulations to all winners and everyone who took part!
Thank you to all who supported this year offering advice, mentoring and more to our finalists.