A University of Portsmouth student has launched an innovative new app that rewards people for supporting independent businesses and charities across the city - before even graduating
LocalLinked, created by BA (Hons) Business and Management student Luca Frederick, connects users with exclusive offers at local businesses while encouraging them to get involved in community and charitable initiatives.
Launching this month, the app features discounts at more than 40 independent cafés, restaurants and shops across Portsmouth, including Natty's Jerk, Hideout Coffee and The Tenth Hole. Users can also earn points by taking part in charity events and volunteering, with rewards including discounts and entries into prize raffles.
Luca first came up with the idea after volunteering with local community space charity Spark, where he saw how difficult it could be to encourage wider community involvement.
Luca said: "When volunteering with Spark, I realised the impact I could have on the community simply by being present. I wanted more people to get involved and support the work they were doing, and I saw an opportunity to make that happen by creating an incentive.
I wanted more people to get involved and support the work they were doing, and I saw an opportunity to make that happen by creating an incentive.
The app started as a way to bridge the gap between students and the local community, but after three years of development, it has evolved into a hybrid platform that rewards people for choosing to support and engage with their community.”
Luca developed LocalLinked during his self-employed placement year as part of his degree, allowing him to focus full-time on building the business while receiving support from the University. The company is now based at Innovation Connect, the University of Portsmouth's business incubation hub, where it continues to grow.
Dr Chris Worrall, Head of Innovation at the University of Portsmouth, said: "LocalLinked demonstrates the importance of entrepreneurs identifying challenges and finding solutions. Luca recognised a gap between students and local organisations and has used technology to close that divide. By creating a platform that encourages community involvement, he is generating positive social impact while helping Portsmouth build a more connected and innovative economy.”
LocalLinked demonstrates the importance of entrepreneurs identifying challenges and finding solutions. Luca recognised a gap between students and local organisations and has used technology to close that divide. By creating a platform that encourages community involvement, he is generating positive social impact while helping Portsmouth build a more connected and innovative economy.
Luca's entrepreneurial success has already been recognised with two major awards this year. He received the Entrepreneurial Impact Award at the University of Portsmouth's Student Impact Awards 2026 and was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the Portsmouth Business Awards 2026.
The LocalLinked app will be available in both free and paid versions from mid-July, giving Portsmouth residents and students new ways to discover independent businesses, support charities and become more involved in their local community.
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