For students

Startup Summer Accelerator 

Get paid to work on your sustainable startup idea this summer.

Startup Summer Accelerator 2023 - banner

If you are working on your business idea and want to take it to the next level, then the Startup Summer Accelerator is just for you.

Described by previous participants as “the best programme in Edinburgh to accelerate your business from idea to reality”. This 12-week intensive learning and leadership online programme empowers students and recent alumni to become startup leaders. 

The greatest innovations of the next decade will be climate related and for this reason, we have partnered with the Edinburgh Earth Initiative to bring a climate and sustainability focus to the programme. The accelerator is primarily for businesses with a climate focus or with an idea that will help to advance any of the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. We’re looking for students who have an innovative business concept and can prove that there is a market need for their product or service.  

Deadline Tuesday 2nd April at 9am (GMT) 

Apply now

 

Participants will receive:
  • £3,000 in funding 
  • Weekly masterclass sessions on key startup topics such as market validation, finances, pitching, sustainability, marketing and more. 
  • Insights from Edinburgh startups and investors 
  • Peer to peer shared learning
  • 1-2-1 coaching, pitch practice and pitch deck design 
  • The opportunity to pitch in front of the Edinburgh startup community at the Demo Day 

 

Key details:
  • The programme lasts for three months and takes place from 2nd June until 5th September 
  • The accelerator is fully online - there is no requirement to be in Edinburgh
  • The accelerator concludes with a Demo Day where participants present a 3-minute pitch to a panel of judges and the Edinburgh entrepreneurial community. We aim to have this Demo Day in-person, with options to present virtually for those who are not able to be physically present in Edinburgh. 

 

Eligibility:
  • At least one co-founder must be a current student from the University of Edinburgh or have graduated in the last two years  The person attending the sessions must be the University of Edinburgh student or graduate
  • Each company must be able to commit a minimum of 20 hours per week to building their business 
  • You must attend all of the workshops (most sessions are held at 10am - 12noon GMT on Tuesdays and Thursdays
  • It is expected that participants fully engage and attend as many sessions as they can to receive the £3,000 in funding. Allowances will be made on a case-by-case basis, if a participant is unable to attend a session 
  • It is expected that participants fully engage and attend as many sessions as they can to receive the £3,000 in funding. For online sessions participants must have cameras on and microphones (where appropriate and possible). Allowances will be made on a case by case basis, if a participant is unable to attend a session. 

Take the leap, accelerate your business journey, and become a future startup leader.

 

Edinburgh Innovations has played a pivotal role in supporting my entrepreneurial journey. The grant money I received has enabled me to fully dedicate my time and effort to SimPat over the summer, driving its development. Being part of the Startup Summer Accelerator cohort has connected me with a talented group of fellow entrepreneurs, fostering a collaborative environment. The expertise, industry knowledge, mentorship and support offered has also been instrumental in guiding my startup’s growth.”

2023 participant 

Before being accepted onto the Startup Summer Accelerator, I was a solo entrepreneur, collecting market research and storyboarding ideas, but with no real direction. I had all these big ideas but no idea how to make them a reality. While it is still early days, I can safely say I can see these ideas becoming a reality, this wouldn’t have been the case without Edinburgh Innovations. I have a network of friends and colleagues who are all in the same startup boat and it is reassuring to know I am not in it alone.

2023 participant 
Startup Summer Accelerator 2023 - banner 2

 

Inspire Launch Grow - competition

Enter our biggest competition to be in with a chance of winning part of £20,000 plus a choice of either a photography package or professional pitch-deck. For all students and recent graduates from the University of Edinburgh. Deadline 10am on 27th March.

Find out more

 

Startup Basics - programme 

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply curious about the world of startups, our comprehensive Startup Basics programme is tailored to meet your needs. Equip yourself with the essential knowledge. resources and guidance to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey. With a series of workshops that cover topics such as: validating your startup, prototyping, pitching and funding. 

Find out more and book now