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Shuvechchha, who’s better known as ‘Subu’ to her friends and studies Electronic and Computer Engineering BEng(Hons), has created a technological innovation (UNITEC) to avoid the use of extra call centres during university Clearing – an invention which won the Santander University of 映客直播 Ideas Competition in December 2019.

UNITEC introduces conversational artificial intelligence to automate clearing services, providing task-orientated, emotionally intelligent chatbots which are customised to the needs of each university.

Subu joins 82 more start-up companies from other universities across the UK in a five-month virtual acceleration programme delivered over a series of 10 ‘sprints’ which take place fortnightly. These will include 60-90 minute live webinars, panel discussions and workshops which will be followed up with tasks and challenges.

Subu Ghimire

At the end of it all, the winning business will receive £30,000 of equity-free seed funding, mentoring from business experts and a fully-funded intern, with the runner-up receiving the same benefits but with a funding of £20,000 instead.

Subu said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be taking part in the programme. We hope to network with angel investors, venture capitalists and successful business professionals and build lasting relationships with the 82 other start-ups who are on a similar journey to solve real life problems. The programme will help hone my skillset as a founder in resource management, product delivery, leadership, finance and marketing.

“Santander Universities Emerging Entrepreneurs Programme provides an exceptional platform to help us reach universities. Throughout the programme, we will be working persistently to understand clearing needs and deliver the best clearing solution for admission departments”.

Matt Hutnell, Director of Santander Universities UK said: “We’re delighted to celebrate 10 years of supporting entrepreneurship with our dedicated new programme for student and graduate start-ups from across our partner universities.

“Adapting to the current environment, our new digital offering will support young entrepreneurs with their innovative business ideas particularly in light of present-day challenges and we look forward to judging the immense array of entrepreneurial talent at the national final later in the year.”

The winner and runner-up will be announced at the end of September at the virtual final.