Lord Rootes Fund Application Information
Eligibility
To apply, you must be:
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Full-time or part-time student at the University of Warwick (undergraduate or postgraduate).
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Remain a registered student until the end of the term you are applying for.
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Have a project with clear personal and professional development goals that has impact.
Criteria:
Applications are assessed against five areas:
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Clarity of Idea: Is the project well-articulated with clear goals and expected outcomes?
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Impact & Alignment: Does the project align with the principles of Innovation, Positive Impact, and Self-Development.
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Feasibility: Is the project achievable within the given timeframe and budget?
- Innovation: Does the project show originality, fill a clear gap, or provide adequate reasoning it should be taken?
- Applicant Development: Does project support personal or professional growth?
- Innovation: Does the project show originality, fill a clear gap, or provide adequate reasoning it should be taken?
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Application Process and Key Dates
Stage 1: Application submission
Submit your complete online application before the deadline
Applications open: 6 October 2025, 12.00pm BST
Applications close: 14 November 2025, 11.59pm GMT
Important: Late or incomplete applications will not be existed. If you miss the deadline you must wait until the next application window.
Stage 2: Shortlisting
Members of the Lord Rootes Fund Committee will review all applications against the published selection criteria and shortlist between 17 – 21 November 2025.
All applicants will be notified by email of the outcome of their application and whether they have been shortlisted during the week of 24 November 2025
Stage 3: Panel Discussion
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a Panel Discussion during the week of 1 December 2025, where you will be present your project and answer questions from Committee Members.
Important: As there is a short turnaround between shortlisting and the Panel Discussion, please keep an eye on your email after applying, and make sure you’re free during the Panel Discussion week.
Stage 4: Committee Meeting
The whole Lord Rootes Fund Committee will meet to discuss applications on 10 December 2025.
All candidates will be notified of the outcome during the week of 15 December 2025.
What you'll need to submit
To apply, you will need to fill in the application form where you will be asked to provide:
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Financial Budget
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Shared link of a two-minute video pitch.
Application form will only open during each application window listed in the 'key dates' section.
Important: We will only proceed with the applications using our templates:
Need further support?
If you have any further questions or you are experiencing any difficulties applying for the Start-up Programme, please utilise our Info Session, FAQs or contact us.