Venture Builder Incubator

This five-month programme is designed specifically for students and staff from Scottish universities who want to explore the business potential of their research. Through a mix of interactive online workshops and in-person events, you'll learn to navigate the startup world with confidence.

Participants of the Venture Builder Incubator will benefit from:  

• Key Skill Development - Build essential entrepreneurial skills to help you stand out in a competitive market.  
• Build Understanding - Better your understanding of key market dynamics and commercialisation strategies to navigate the start-up landscape with confidence. ‍
• Access to Expertise - Learn first-hand from seasoned entrepreneurs and industry leaders and access the University of Edinburgh’s wealth of expertise and academic excellence.
• ‍Personalised Mentorship – Expert guidance from entrepreneurs-in-residence, National Robotarium collaborators, Cancer Research Horizons and our experienced programme team. ‍
• Network Connections - Join a vibrant community of innovators, industry partners, and like-minded entrepreneurs, fostering meaningful ecosystem connections and unlocking new opportunities.

Venture Builder Incubator runs over five months, from late October to March, with a break in December. It’s designed to be flexible and fit alongside your academic commitments, requiring around 12 hours of your time per month.

Through a mix of interactive online workshops and in-person events, Venture Builder Incubator provides you with the skills, confidence and connections required to start or grow your tech business.

• Online workshops: Take place twice a week via Zoom - every Tuesday and Thursday from 16:00 to 17:30 - totaling 3 hours per week.
• In Person Events: The programme hosts 3 in person event for participants including a welcome day, a team day and our cumulative programme showcase.

Programme format and key dates

Venture Builder Incubator runs over five months, from late October to March, with a break in December. It’s designed to be flexible and fit alongside your academic commitments, requiring around 12 hours of your time per month.

Online workshops take place twice a week via Zoom - every Tuesday and Thursday from 16:00 to 17:30 - totaling 3 hours per week.

Please note that dates may change.

Through our ongoing partnership with Cancer Research Horizons, we offer tailored support for research staff and academics working on deep-tech oncology-related innovations from universities and hospitals across the UK.

Discover more about Cancer Research Horizon