The latest round of the Ignite Fund has awarded 72 students with a total of £53,917 to take steps toward their personal and professional goals, ranging from launching businesses to attending international conferences. The new cohort marks a significant milestone in the Ignite Fund’s history, bringing the total number of students to over 1,000.
Since its creation in 2016, the Ignite Fund has supported more than 1,072 Westminster students, offering grants between £150 and £1,500 for equipment, training, research, enterprise and professional development opportunities. The fund enables students to seize opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach, whether that is launching a start-up, attending international conferences or gaining additional qualifications.
This round serves as a powerful reminder of the fund's role in levelling the playing field and highlights the University’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Of this year’s 72 successful applicants, 42 are the first in their families to attend university and 51 come from low-income households. For these students, the Ignite Fund removes some of the financial hurdles, enabling them to explore opportunities they might otherwise be unable to afford.
The Ignite Fund is a key part of Zone29, the University’s new home for careers and enterprise, providing students and graduates with access to work-related programmes, opportunities and experiences due to open in Spring 2026. The Ignite Fund is central to Zone29’s mission of unlocking talent, breaking down barriers and championing social mobility.
The Ignite Fund continues to grow as part of the University’s wider support for student development. It works in tandem with key initiatives like the Westminster Award, which provides students with a pipeline of career opportunities from first year through to graduation.
About receiving the award Financial Economics BSc Honours student Owais Imraan said: “Receiving the Ignite Fund feels incredibly uplifting. It’s given me a real sense of confidence in my abilities and the direction I’m heading. This support will open up opportunities I wouldn’t have been able to access otherwise, and I’m excited to make the most of it.”
On passing 1,000 students supported by the Ignite Fund Amar Kataora, Regular Giving and Legacy Officer at the University of Westminster, said: “Reaching this milestone is a proud moment for Westminster. The Ignite Fund is about more than financial support — it’s about helping students turn ambition into action. Every award represents a real opportunity unlocked, and we’re grateful to the donors and the Quintin Hogg Trust whose generosity is making this possible for thousands of students.
“We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who contributes. Your support opens doors for students who are driven, talented and ready to make the most of their time at Westminster—and beyond.”
The Ignite Fund’s mission directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education, 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and 10: Reduced Inequalities. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about and donate to the Ignite Fund.
Learn how to support the wide range of programmes running under Zone29.
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