Schedule a conversation or gathering via our online platform
Supporting Startup Ideas at the University of Southampton
Students and researchers at the University of Southampton who dream of turning their innovative ideas into viable startups now have access to a range of dedicated programs and initiatives.
The Drop-in sessions, available online via MS Teams or in-person in Building 1 on Highfield Campus, serve as a crucial resource for aspiring founders. These sessions are free for all students and researchers at the university, and offer a chance to ask questions about the startup process, receive guidance on critical next steps, and even get answers to questions about that initial startup idea.
Booking for the Drop-in sessions can be done through a provided link, or for those without a University of Southampton email account, by emailing [email protected].
One of the key options for those seeking startup support is the AIR26 Bootcamp. This free, two-day in-person bootcamp, held at the University of Southampton's Winchester campus, is tailored for researchers aiming to commercialize their technology through a startup, especially those with AI-related innovations. It helps founders assess their startup’s viability and decide the best way forward, with the opportunity to pitch for a place in a fully-funded six-month acceleration program. Travel and accommodation costs are covered, and applications close on 17 August 2025.
Another opportunity is the Foundership Programme, a summer program offering students £3,000 in grant funding and mentorship to work on their businesses. This paid scheme supports entrepreneurs through direct funding and access to resources over the summer months.
The Future Worlds Accelerator, while not detailed extensively, is mentioned as the tech startup accelerator at the University of Southampton, likely offering longer-term acceleration support beyond bootcamp-level engagement.
These programs provide a structured pathway from initial startup idea validation, technical development support, mentoring, and funding opportunities to help students and researchers turn innovative research into viable startups.
It's worth noting that the requested personal information will not be shared with anyone else, and the service is designed to help make the startup idea a reality. The website team, responsible for providing the Drop-in sessions, aims to support aspiring founders to succeed.
In summary, the process typically involves applying to programs like AIR26 Bootcamp to evaluate and refine your startup concept, possibly securing a place in acceleration programs thereafter, while also accessing grant-funded initiatives like Foundership for practical business development support. The Drop-in sessions offer a valuable resource for those considering founding a startup, providing answers to any questions about the startup idea and process.
- The AIR26 Bootcamp, designed for researchers with AI-related innovations, offers a two-day program at the University of Southampton's Winchester campus, providing a chance to assess the startup's viability and pitch for a place in a fully-funded six-month acceleration program.
- The Foundership Programme, a summer initiative, offers students £3,000 in grant funding and mentorship to work on their businesses, providing practical business development support.
- The University of Southampton's tech startup accelerator, The Future Worlds Accelerator, likely offers longer-term acceleration support beyond bootcamp-level engagement.
- The Drop-in sessions, available online or in-person, serve as a valuable resource for students and researchers, offering answers to any questions about the startup idea and process, and providing guidance on critical next steps towards turning innovative research into viable startups.
