Launch Point

Have a brilliant idea but need funding to get it off the ground? Launch Point is your chance to make it happen. 

University of Edinburgh students and recent graduates (up to two years post-graduation) can win a share of £4,000 to launch their early-stage business over the next 12 months. Whether you're refining a prototype, talking to customers or conducting marketing research, this competition can help take your startup to the next level. 

This semester, we're delighted to be partnering with the Engineers & Scientists in Business Fellowship, who are contributing £3,000 of the prize pot, specifically for applicants in engineering, science or medical science. 

Enter by either submitting a 5-minute video or a short-written application. We strongly encourage video entries, they're a great way to bring your idea to life, showcase your passion and stand out to the judging panel. 

What makes a winning entry?

We're looking for bold, well thought-out ideas with growth potential. Strong applications will:

• Identify a meaningful problem and a specific customer
• Offer a unique, innovative solution
• Have potential to scale beyond a local context
• Show a path to financial sustainability
• Demonstrate a capable, committed team
• Make a positive impact on people and the planet
• Explain how funding will help you move forward
• Align with one of the University's core missions: Data, Digital & AI, Health & Care and/or Climate & Environment 

Who can apply?

• All University of Edinburgh students
• Alumni up to two years post-graduation
• Previous Launch Point winners may apply again with a new idea, provided they haven't received competition funding this academic year
• Applicants currently on a visa that allows this within the next 12 months. Those on a Student Visa typically cannot engage in business activity, so please check your visa conditions and guidance from the Student Immigration Service before applying. 

Funding conditions 

Winners must: 

• Spend the funds within 12 months
• Provide a short breakdown of how the funds were used
• Attend three advisory meetings with an Edinburgh Innovations business adviser
• Should you win funding as part of this programme, a UK bank account is preferred for all payments. Requests to use non-UK bank accounts may be considered on a case-by-case basis and may be subject to additional checks or processing time.

Deadline: Monday 16th March 2026 at 12noon.

(Late submissions will not be accepted.) 

The competition was a great opportunity for us to kick-start and validate our startup concept. We at ROBOCEAN: Ecosystem Engineering cannot wait to use our prize money to develop our prototype and save our seagrass."

Niall McGrath - Robocean co-founder