University of Reading cookie policy

We use cookies on reading.ac.uk to improve your experience, monitor site performance and tailor content to you

Read our cookie policy to find out how to manage your cookie settings

just imagine if

... gives you the opportunity to drive innovation, develop brilliant ideas and make the world a better place.

We all have a responsibility to end poverty and inequality, protect the future of the planet, and ensure everyone has a right to health, justice and prosperity.

Do you have an idea which addresses one of these global challenges?

If your idea supports one or more of the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals, apply now and we could connect you to world-leading researchers and business leaders, to help realise your idea.

blue gloved hands putting slide under microscope

Making the world a better place

just IMAGINE if ... is a transformational opportunity. Every two years, we ask budding entrepreneurs to submit their sustainable business ideas for evaluation by high-profile entrepreneurs and social innovators with the possibility of securing a grant for research and business support from the University of Reading and the Henley Business School worth up to £100,000.

Previously, the award has inspired over 500 applications, created 20 finalists and supported winning social entrepreneurs with the grant, advice, skills and network support in Peru and India.

just IMAGINE if ... 2024 launched in October

Applications for 2024 are now closed. Shortlisted finalists will be announced soon, and will be paired with counsellors and researchers from the University of Reading and the Henley Business School, before preparing their business proposals.

Finalists will pitch their ideas to a judging panel and invited audience at a two-day event at the Henley Business School in March.

The birth of a dream

just IMAGINE if ... was founded by British entrepreneur and children's welfare campaigner Paul Lindley OBE.

"The phrase 'just imagine if' has stayed with me throughout my life. Imagine a world of gender and racial equality. Imagine a world free from businesses polluting our environment. Imagine if we could make a genuine impact to reduce childhood obesity."

Paul Lindley

This dream led Paul to establish just IMAGINE if…, a university-hosted, business-focused, non-profit competition to address the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

just IMAGINE if... aims to find people with early-stage, simple business ideas that could provide sustainable solutions to some of the most pressing social, cultural and environmental challenges facing society today, and give them a real chance of development.

Find out more about our founder, Paul Lindley

The just IMAGINE if ... research grant 2024

just IMAGINE if… 2024 is a research grant for the provision of research and business support by the University of Reading and the Henley Business School, focused on developing the winning applicant's idea.

Research and business support up to the value of £100,000* could include:

  • support from a PhD, a Masters or an MBA student
  • specific in-the-field evaluated trials
  • business model planning and strategic support
  • access to world-leading experts in your sector.

Applications for this initiative are now closed.

* There is no cash alternative for the grant, which is not negotiable or transferable. Terms and conditions apply.

two people laying roofing on a house

The story so far

Find out how previous just IMAGINE if ... recipients have realised their dreams and tackled a global challenge.

counsellors sat in group discussion

Our counsellors

Some of the UK’s leading business people and nationally known entrepreneurs are on hand to help you turn your life-changing idea into a reality.

seedling growing in soil

Our partners

The just IMAGINE if ...  research grant is made possible thanks to the generous support of our friends and sponsors.