After almost four months of grueling research, planning, and competition, the winners of the Melbourne University Entrepreneurs’ Challenge 2010 have been crowned!  The three winners were formally announced at the delicious and entertaining Awards Dinner on May 7, but for those of you who couldn’t make it, read on!

Our Grand Prize winner, and the new proud owners of probably the largest check ever cut (we do mean that very literally), is team CounselLink.  CounselLink, an eHealth technology, outsourcing, and lead generation company that serves the allied health profession, has already begun making waves in psychology and aims to scale up to other health sectors.  The team presented a strong business plan, backed by an even stronger pitch at the Grand Finals, and it was the Judges’ opinion that CounselLink is positioned to excel in the growing eHealth market.  This team put together such a thorough MUEC plan and presentation that there remains only one question: How did they manage to get the giant check, provided by our title sponsor Pitcher Partners, onto the tram?  CounselLink also received generous in-kind services prizes from Melbourne Angels and McDonald Partners.  Without a doubt, CounselLink is a company to watch.

It was a very close race to the Grand Prize, and our Runner-Up team should be equally proud of their work in MUEC 2010.  Make Me Iconic is a brand new Melbourne-based company that brings this great city’s unsung icons to life.  With their fresh, locally designed homewares and premium crafted Melbourne souvenirs, this team impressed the Judges with their clear, effective business plan and nearly stole the show at the Grand Finals.  Make Me Iconic received invaluable services prizes from Pitcher Partners, McDonald Partners, and Melbourne Angels, which should help their business grow even further.  We can’t wait to see what new products appear on their website next!

Finally, and for the first time ever, MUEC was proud to award team Equoal with the Social Impact Prize, provided by the Asia Pacific Social Impact Leadership Centre.  Equoal will provide ethical tourism options to North American customers, capitalizing on a growing market of young, time-bound professionals with the urge to make a difference in the world.  This team put together a stellar business plan, followed up by a passionate presentation that really set them apart.  The Social Imapct Judges were thrilled to award the $6,000 prize from the Social Impact Leadership Centre to this up-and-coming company.  Equoal plans to expand globally within ten years, so plan your upcoming holidays accordingly.

Congratulations are also in order for all the teams that participated (to whatever extent) in MUEC 2010.  We know it’s a lot of effort, especially during the hectic academic schedules of Term 1, but you really came through with some amazing ideas and solid business plans.  We hope to see all of you next year!