The initiative was recognised at SETsquared's Student Enterprise Awards.

Spark, based at the University of Bristol, runs a course for students wanting to set up their own businesses. It covers topics such as business model development, sales, and pitching.

Spark has already seen two of its students register their companies and others go on to success in national competitions.

The award was for Best Student Enterprise Experience and the ceremony took place at the University of Exeter’s IGNITE Guild.

Dave Jarman, Head of Student Enterprise Education at the University of Bristol, said: “We have had terrific feedback from those taking part in our boot camp so to now have this award on top is the icing on the cake.

“We’re already looking at making Spark even bigger and better for next year and hope that the results of our work will start to create a new pool of entrepreneurial talent in Bristol.”

SETsquared - a partnership of the Universities of Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Southampton and Surrey - incubates high-tech business start-ups and encourages entrepreneurialism among students at the five institutions.

SETsquared’s Student Enterprise Awards, which take place every year, seek to honour the best student and graduate businesses from across the Universities, as well as the projects and people that support them.

Simon Bond, Innovation Director at SETsquared, said: "It’s never been more important to nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs. These are the business leaders of tomorrow who will create successful companies and, importantly, employment in the UK.

“Spark, like SETsquared, is playing an important role in nurturing that next generation and we are delighted to honour the team with this award.”

The next course runs from 16 June.  To find out more about Spark and how to get involved visit www.bristol.ac.uk/spark-course