Celebrating innovation at the LaunchPad start-up awards 2025

The Student Futures Team is proud to congratulate the outstanding finalists of the LaunchPad Start-Up Awards 2025!

These inspiring students and alumni impressed our judging panel with business proposals – standing out for their creativity, passion, and vision.

The LaunchPad Awards are a true celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit we champion at Roehampton. From cutting-edge tech and wellbeing to esports and education, this year's entries showcased an exciting breadth of innovation across our vibrant student and alumni community.

Since nominations opened in March 2025, we received applications from across a wide range of disciplines including Business, Sports Management, Dramatherapy, Journalism, Early Childhood Studies, and Nutrition and Health.

Jonas Kontautas
Lala Semakula
Rhiannon Lambert
Toby Shergold & Miles Keene
Sohaib Wasim
Katie Smith
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A heartfelt thanks to our judges for their thoughtful insights and support:

  • Marc Newey – CEO, Roehampton Club & Senior Representative, Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce
  • Leigh Adams – Director of Student Futures, University of Roehampton
  • Julie Powell (Chair) – Head of Careers and Employer Engagement
  • Bari Malik – Programme Leader, Business Management & Entrepreneurship, and Founder of the Roehampton Business Lab

Meet our exceptional 2025 Finalists:

  • Jonas Kontautas – Crossed Arms: Empowering creatives in esports with a dynamic new platform.
  • Lala Semakula – Mutima Wellbeing Ltd: Inclusive, creative mental health support—recognised for innovation in wellbeing.
  • Rhiannon Lambert – Rhitrition Ltd: A bespoke nutrition clinic and consultancy offering personalised wellness solutions.
  • Toby Shergold and Miles Keene – Spritz Station Ltd: A smart fragrance vending experience reimagining nightlife and lifestyle spaces.
  • Sohaib Wasim – Chelsea Chauffeurs Ltd: Premium chauffeur services redefining luxury transport across London.
  • Katie Smith – The Children's Life Coach: Mental health coaching and mentoring tailored for children aged 8–12.

Reflecting on their experience, Toby Shergold and Miles Keene shared, "Pitching our idea and receiving expert feedback was incredibly rewarding. We're truly grateful for the opportunity and the support network growing around our venture."

Thanks to generous support from Santander Universities, each finalist will receive start-up funding and continued mentorship through the University of Roehampton's Business Lab.

We're excited to watch these ventures grow and make a lasting impact.