Female graduate start-up founder selected for globally recognised entrepreneurship programme

One of Northumbria’s most promising graduates has been on a trip of a lifetime to attend a globally recognised Entrepreneurial Thought and Action® programme at Babson College, Boston thanks to Santander Universities. Northumbria graduate, Emma Fielding was one of only 30 students from across the world to be selected for Babson Build at Babson College, the number one university for entrepreneurship (U.S. News & World Report).

Emma Fielding developed her travel comparison app whilst still studying for her Business Management degree. She came up with the concept after missing the last train back to Newcastle from London and was frantically searching for other possible options and journey times in order to get back in time for morning lectures. She approached the Student and Graduate Enterprise team at Northumbria with her idea and was encouraged to enter the Data Movement Open Innovation competition. Emma went on to win the competition and £5,000 worth of funding to develop her idea into an app.

Graham Baty, Enterprise Manager said: “Emma’s enthusiasm, belief in her idea and natural entrepreneurial flair made her a fantastic candidate to represent Northumbria at Babson College. I have been constantly impressed at how she has progressed with her idea, built the app and secured contracts with travel companies whilst juggling her studies. Babson Build was a great opportunity for Emma’s personal and professional development”.

The two week programme is designed to leverage the power of entrepreneurship to accelerate students’ potential and create new opportunities for the future. Taught by renowned Babson Faculty members who are leading academics and experienced entrepreneurs themselves, Emma participated in a hands-on, collaborative setting designed to help students develop fresh perspectives.

Emma Fielding said: “Taking part in the Babson Build Programme was a fantastic experience. My time in Boston really boosted my confidence in my entrepreneurial ability and gave me even more motivation to pursue my own business goals. Being on the winning team was the icing on the cake! Through this fantastic opportunity and continued support from the Student and Graduate Enterprise team, CompareMyTravel goes from strength to strength and I’m excited to see what the future holds”.

Emma will receive continued support through the Northumbria Enterprise and Business Support Project, part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). For information on how you can benefit from the project as a graduate or SME, please click here.