Crowdfunding and accelerators were the buzzwords last week as the Business School hosted London's largest free event for budding entrepreneurs.

The Imperial LaunchPad Day brought together people looking to start their own businesses with  50 exhibitors, including some of the UK’s leading start-up organisations, at a networking event open to students, alumni and members of the public.

The event gave visitors the opportunity to explore how to turn their business ideas into reality, through meeting exhibitor companies under one roof. Experts from a wide range of industries were on hand to answer questions and offer advice on areas such as crowdfunding, networking, competitions and legal issues.

The event provided a unique insight into the latest trends from the capital’s start-up scene on areas including food, climate change, sustainability and digital technology. Throughout the evening, visitors were able to mingle, exchange ideas and enjoy demonstrations of 3D printing and robotics technology.

Companies participating in this year’s event included Accenture, the Royal College of Art and Santander Universities. Others on hand to offer advice and support included Innovate UK (the Technology Strategy Board), the Impact Lab at the Westminster Hub and the Digital Business Academy, an online platform that provides digital and business skills for anyone aspiring to start, grow or join a digital business.

Imperial LaunchPad Day was created by Dr Marco Mongiello, Director of MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Management, at Imperial College Business School and follows the success of last year’s Dispatch Day.

Dr Mongiello said: “I was delighted to see so many people at this year’s Imperial LaunchPad Day. The aim of the event was to help students realise their entrepreneurial dreams by connecting them to the organisations who can help them increase their business visibility and attractiveness to potential investors.

He continued: "One of the strengths of the Business School is that we foster an entrepreneurial approach to business, enabling students to develop practical solutions to real world issues, benefitting business and improving society.”