Entrepreneurship graduates chosen for prestigious Santandar Explorer opportunity
Two MSc Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology graduates have been selected for a week-long entrepreneurial programme as part of Santander Explorer to work on a project conceived when doing an MSc at Strathclyde Business School.
Dana Schwendtner and Jonny Lindsay met while doing the MSc In Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology and worked on several projects during their studies.
Jonny came up with the idea behind their project – an affordable solar collector – as part of his studies during the programme .
He then teamed up with Dana as he was looking for someone with a contrasting skillset to him, specifically looking at marketing, performance marketing and project management and - as they had worked together on projects within the MSc course - they knew they would work well together.
The idea behind their start up business – known as LSS. - is for an affordable multipurpose solar collector that is almost 100% recyclable and is priced under £250. A solar collector uses sunlight to heat water, and this water is then used to heat your home.
Jonny explained, “We came up with the idea as, due to the current energy crisis in the UK, currently 45 million people feel they can't now afford renewable forms of energy in the UK. That, to us, is unacceptable; this idea is not just about helping the energy transition, but also a just transition; energy needs to be more affordable. The motto for our product is ‘Everyone’s chance to go green’.”
Natasha Lobley from Strathclyde Inspire brought the Santander opportunity to their attention in September 2022, and Jonny and Dana took part in a 12-week programme which was held online on the Santander Explorer platform. During the 12 weeks, they spent eight to 10 hours a week following a training programme set up on the platform as well as attending community activities –such as talks, Q&As and group sessions.
They were then selected for a week-long intensive immersion and training experience which this year takes place at an innovation hub in Valencia. The trip is an international entrepreneurial experience where they will be provided with guidance and advice from professionals from prestigious companies worldwide.
Dana said, “We were over the moon when we heard that we had been selected to attend the Santander Explorer trip. We are so excited to represent the University of Strathclyde and the Business School on the global stage.
“We are very grateful to Strathclyde Inspire and Strathclyde Business School for providing us with this opportunity to attend this immersion programme and work on our business, and we’re excited about what’s to come.”
The Santander Explorer programme aims to promote youth entrepreneurship and help to turn ideas into projects and solutions. With the United Kingdom and Uruguay now involved, the programme has now expanded to eight countries. The Explorer programme lasts 12 weeks and is aimed at young people aged between 18 and 31 - participants can connect with an international community, receive "learning by doing" online training, mentoring from experts, validate their business ideas and develop the skills that they need to transform them into viable and sustainable solutions. Those participants deemed to have ‘the most outstanding projects’ are then selected to take part in the immersion week, this year in Valencia.
Published: 21 February 2023
