Startup Summer Accelerator 

Every startup founder needs a starting point and this is it

For current students and recent graduates from the University of Edinburgh the Startup Summer Accelerator is an in-person, intensive three-month programme for founders who are ready to start building. With only 15 spaces, you'll get real insights from founders, a cohort of fellow participants to push you forward, and the structure to make serious progress. 

Past participants have called it "the best programme in Edinburgh to accelerate your business from idea to reality." If you want structure, challenge and the right connections to move faster than you would alone, this is the programme for you. 

This year we are delighted to be sponosed by the CHAI (Causality in Healthcare AI Hub), providing an extra 3 places on the programme for ideas related to AI in a health context. 

What you'll get:

The programme covers the key topics you'll need to think about as you build your business - from marketing and finance to investment and more. 

• Up to £3,000 to put towards your business
• A chance to pitch for further funding at the in-person showcase
• Insights and guidance from entrepreneurs and investors
• A two-hour in-person workshop every Thursday afternoon, with occasional two-hour Friday sessions 

A full schedule will be uploaded to this page in due course. 

Who it's for?

This programme is for founders with a business concept who are ready to do something serious about it. We are looking for founders who have started on their journey through conducting market research (e.g. conducting customer interviews/running focus groups/engaging with industry contacts, etc) and/or developing an MVP. It is not for raw ideas. 

This programme is focused on establishing a business and raising investment in the UK. Therefore, we are primarily looking for founders who are looking to start a business in the UK or establish a UK trading presence.

We're particularly keen to hear from startups working in the University's core research and innovation missions: health & care, data, digital & AI and climate & environment.

Eligibility 

CHAI Hub sponsored places (3 places) 

We have 3 places sponsored by the CHAI Hub, open to applicants who meet all the following criteria: 

• Current University of Edinburgh student or graduate within the last two years, or staff member
• Not yet a business owner
• Developing a business idea in AI and health 

Priority will be given to ideas that align with the CHAI Hub's focus areas. 

General places (12 spaces) 

The remaining 12 places are open to everyone else, including founders with an incorporated business and ideas outside of AI and health. The CHAI Hub criteria above do not apply to these spaces. 

To be eligible, you must meet both of the following: 

1. University affiliation: at least one co-founder must be a current University of Edinburgh student or have graduated within the the last two years. This person must attend all core sessions.
2. Visa eligibility: you'll also need to be on a visa that permits you to engage in business activity, or transitioning to a visa that allows you to engage in business activity within six months. Please make sure you understand the terms of your visa before applying. 

Funding conditions and eligible expenditure details can be found in the below document: 

Deadline: Tuesday 5th May at 10am