IdeaForge Launch

​🚀 IdeaForge Launch: From Vision to Venture

​Join us on 9 October, 18:00 BST for the official induction of IdeaForge 2025 — an evening of inspiration, insights, and connection 🌟.

​We’re kicking off the new iteration with a keynote from Ash Rust, Managing Partner at Sterling Road 💼, followed by a candid panel with last year’s IdeaForge cohort: Disolens, a student-led healthtech startup 🧑‍🔬 working on dissolvable lenses 👁️.

​🎤 What to expect

1. ​Ash Rust’s journey — How he went from founder to investor, his thesis at Sterling Road, and what he looks for in early-stage B2B ventures 💡 (sterlingroad.com)

2. ​Inside Disolens — How being part of IdeaForge shaped their path, what they’ve built since 🏗️, and what they’re working on now 🔬

3. ​Showcase + Pitch visuals — We’ll project their pitch deck 📊 as background and, if they wish, highlight demos or visuals

4. ​Q&A — Get direct access ❓ — ask anything about lifting off 🚀, building a startup, or the Ideaforge experience

5. ​Networking — Chat with the new cohort, founders, and guests over refreshments 🍹

​🎯 Why come

• ​Learn what it really takes to get investor attention at the earliest stage 🎯

• ​See a past IdeaForge team’s real progress (not just slick pitch decks) 📈

• ​Get inspired, ask your burning questions 🤔, and find cofounders / collaborators 🤝

• ​Be part of the community — this is your kickoff 🎉

​👥 Who should attend

​Students, aspiring founders, innovators, or anyone curious about how to turn an idea into impact 🌍.

​⚡ Spots are limited — make sure you RSVP (with your university email) to secure your place!