sherloc sparc
Future Leaders Business Hackathon
University of Warwick 2026
Step Into the Leadership Team of a Real Company.
Make Decisions That Matter.
Win Prizes That Change Your Future.
The Future Leaders Business Hackathon is a two-day, high-pressure leadership simulation where you and your team take over
a synthetic startup – Atlas UK - and run it as if it were real.
You’ll face live challenges. You’ll make strategic decisions. You’ll model your choices using sherloc,
the financial engine used by real founders. And you’ll pitch
your journey to a panel of industry leaders.
This is not a coding sprint.
This is not a case study.
This is leadership — under pressure.
£15,000 in Major Cash Prizes
Two headline awards:
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£10,000 for the winning team
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£5,000 for the runners-up
Plus additional cash prizes for:
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Flashes of brilliance
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Creative problem-solving
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Standout teamwork
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Exceptional leadership moments
If you shine, you'll be seen - and rewarded.
Paid Internships & Career Opportunities
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Paid internships offered by sponsoring organisations
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Exclusive access to founders, investors and operators
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Introductions to the entrepreneurial ecosystem
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Opportunities that don’t appear on job boards
These internships are provided by sponsors, not sherloc — giving you access to a wide range of industries.
Eligibility & Team Formation
This programme is exclusively for registered University
of Warwick students aged 18+.
You must present a valid Warwick student photo ID matching a university email address at registration.
You may apply:
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As a team of 4-6, OR
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As an individual (we will allocate you to a team)
All teams will be finalised before the event begins.
Places are limited — a minimum of 25 and a maximum
of 100 students will be selected.
Early applications strongly encouraged.
Mandatory Preparation Sessions
To participate in the Hackathon, you must attend both preparation sessions:
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Tuesday 17 March, 18:00–21:00
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Thursday 19 March, 18:00–21:00
These sessions introduce the Atlas narrative, the sherloc platform, team roles and the mechanics of the simulation.
Attendance is compulsory — no exceptions.
What Makes This Experience Different
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You’ll run a company under real pressure
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You’ll make decisions with imperfect information
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You’ll learn to model financial outcomes using sherloc
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You’ll work with advisors, accountants and founders
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You’ll be judged on leadership, clarity and teamwork
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You’ll compete for major prizes
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You’ll join a national movement redefining entrepreneurship education
Your decisions must come from you — no external research, consultants or AI tools are allowed.
This is about your leadership, not your plugins.
Event Dates
23–24 March 2026
University of Warwick
Photography and filming will take place throughout
the event — this is your moment to shine.
Spaces are limited.
Applications open soon.
Before You Apply - Quick Checklist
Are you a registered University of Warwick student?
You must be currently enrolled and able to show a valid Warwick student photo ID with a matching university email address.
Are you aged 18 or over?
This is a requirement for participation.
Can you attend ALL required sessions?
You must attend:
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Prep Session 1: Tue 17 March, 18:00–21:00
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Prep Session 2: Thu 19 March, 18:00–21:00
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Hackathon Day 1: Mon 23 March, 08:00 – 18:00 (+ team prep after)
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Hackathon Day 2: Tue 24 March, 09:00 – 16:00
Full attendance is mandatory.
Are you applying as a team or as an individual?
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Teams must have 4–6 members
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Individuals will be allocated to a team
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Team assignments are final
Are you ready to compete without external help?
No external research, consultants or AI tools are allowed.
Your decisions must come from you.
Do you have a UK bank account?
Required if your team wins a cash prize.
Are you comfortable being photographed or filmed?
The event will be recorded for promotional and reporting purposes.
Are you ready for a high-pressure, high-energy experience?
This is not a passive workshop.
It’s a leadership simulation.
You will be challenged — and you will grow.
