Student’s sports drink is toast of competition
A Stirling student has secured fourfigure funding to launch a new sports nutrition product after winning a business challenge.
Mohsin Laginaf, who is completing a Masters in investment analysis at Stirling University won the coveted Sports Innovation Challenge run by the Sporting Chance initiative.
He has been awarded £4000 to go towards his product B4Sport and will benefit from the support of a number of industry partners and experts.
He will also be given a space in the Sport Hive business incubator which is based at the university innovation park.
Mohsin, originally from Northern Ireland, came up with the product when he noticed those taking part in sporting activity drinking caffeinated energy drinks prior to competition.
As he knew these drinks were not created for sports performance he began to formulate the idea for a new drink.
The keen rugby player said: “I realised there was an opportunity to create a new pre-sports drink that was optimised for sport.
“I wanted to create something that was more functional, better tasting, competitively priced and more natural than the energy drinks other student rugby players were drinking.
“Winning this competition is the first success for B4Sport – it’s fantastic to gain validation for my product from the Sporting Chance team and the competition judges. The recognition also adds credibility to the product which I can now build on.”
He added: “The one-year incubation and mentorship are incredibly valuable as I’ll have access to resources and advice that I wouldn’t otherwise.
“This is unchartered territory for me but the funding will allow me to sample B4Sport and develop a physical prototype. I also hope to work with the University’s sport scientists to test the performance benefits of the product.” Ryan Carenduff, programme manager at Sporting Chance Initiative, said: “The challenge is often the first step for students on their entrepreneurial journey. It provides an introduction to the world of sports entrepreneurship and all the tools and skills required to get going.
“What really stood out about Mohsin was that he had done so much work before speaking and engaging with us. He delivered a great pitch and can now call himself a challenge champion.”
Dr John Rogers, director of research and innovation services at the University of Stirling, added: “We are delighted to be able to support student and graduate entrepreneurs across Scotland through the Sporting Chance Initiative.
“This reflects both our role as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence and our strategic commitment to student enterprise.
“The programme continues to grow in strength and the Sports Innovation Challenge is a key element of this success. It is great to see a new student business emerging from the university through the challenge.”