Interview: Engineer Dileep Dasari, Joint First Prize Winner in Edinburgh University’s Business Idea Competition

Fourth Year Engineering Student Dileep Dasari talks about his experience participating in the University of Edinburgh’s Business Idea Competition for engineering students and graduates.  Dileep was the joint first prize winner and received a £400 prize for his innovation SukaLabs.  

Why did you take part in the competition?
I participated in the competition to showcase our innovative idea, gain valuable feedback from professionals, and connect with like-minded individuals who could potentially collaborate with us in the future.

Can you tell us three things that you learned from taking part in the competition?
Throughout the competition, I learned the significance of effective storytelling, the importance of staying resilient and adaptable, and the value of embracing diverse perspectives to enhance our solutions.

What elements of the competition did you find most challenging?
The most challenging aspects of the competition were managing time efficiently, communicating our idea concisely yet impactfully, and handling the uncertainties that came with a competitive environment.

 Would you recommend it to other students/why?
I highly recommend such competitions to students because they offer a platform for personal and professional growth, provide invaluable feedback, and create networking opportunities with industry experts and fellow innovators.

 What were the benefits of taking part?
Apart from winning, the competition allowed us to refine our idea, understand its potential, and learn valuable lessons from both our own experiences and those of other participants.

How will the skills you learned in the competition help you in the future?
The skills developed during the competition, such as critical thinking, effective communication, and adaptability, will be valuable assets in my future professional endeavours.

Has the experience inspired you to take your business idea further?
The experience inspired me not only to further pursue Sukalabs but also to explore new ideas and opportunities, driven by the insights and inspiration gained during the competition.

Will you be taking any further business courses to increase your knowledge of how to bring an idea to market or how to run a business?
I plan to take additional business courses and attend workshops to enhance my knowledge and skills in bringing ideas to market, managing a business, and navigating the complex landscape of entrepreneurship.

To learn more about the University of Edinburgh’s  Business Idea Competition visit this page of our website.