Deep tech accelerator programme for spinouts and startups.
We are the UK's top ranked start up accelerator. Enterprise Fellowships is our flagship programme for spinouts and startups.
Researchers and recent graduates are equipped with the skills, confidence and networks to become better entrepreneurs. With tailored training, coaching, and mentorship from leading engineers, you will learn the critical business skills required to be successful.
You'll learn alongside peers and experts while expanding your network in our global ecosystem of Fellows, investors, and industry leaders. We provide 12 months of funding so you can focus entirely on your business.
Best of all? As a charity, we offer funding for a year alongside this comprehensive support completely free: no fees, no equity, and no claim on your IP.
To learn more, read our applicant guidance and attend one of the introductory webinars.
Our impact
entrepreneurs supported
follow on funding raised since joining the program
valuation increase by our awardees after completing program
awardees have been acquired
Our offering
- A grant of up to £75,000
- 15 days training
- 6 months business coaching
- 12 months mentoring from an experienced founder
- Lifetime membership of the Enterprise Hub.
105 hours of business training and peer learning over the first six months.
A business coach will offer bespoke support for six months to complement the training.
From one of our leading technology entrepreneurs, they will guide you over 12 months.
Use our network to make exceptional connections to entrepreneurs, corporates, experts and investors.
What will you learn?
The 15 days of interactive workshops, held over 6 months and tailored to your skill level, will cover:
- leadership, governance and operations
- business modelling, value proposition and strategy
- marketing, sales and negotiation
- finance and funding sources
Who is the Enterprise Fellowships programme for?
Who is the Enterprise Fellowships programme for?
We are looking for:
- university researchers wishing to spin out from UK universities and research institutes
OR
- recent graduates who want to develop a startup
Who:
- want to be the CEO
- have a protectable engineering or technology innovation
- that has been validated in a lab or a relevant environment (you know it works)
Please read our full eligibility criteria and see the Applicant Guidance Notes for more details. If you have any questions, you can email the programme managers directly or join an applicant workshop.
Introductory webinars for applicants
We’ll provide an overview of the programme, explain the two application routes and their eligibility criteria, walk you through the selection process, and share practical insights into what makes a strong application. You'll also have the opportunity to gain valuable tips to help you prepare a competitive submission and maximise your chances of success.
All applicants:
Researcher to spinout route:
Recent graduate to startup route:
Panel discussion with Enterprise Fellowships alumni
Hear directly from alumni who have successfully completed the programme.
Join us to learn about their experiences, how they approached the application process, and the lessons they wish they had known before applying. They will also share practical tips on preparing a strong application and making the most of the Fellowship once you're on the programme.
- Maria Cerezo Sanchez - Co-Founder and CEO of NEUROBITE, spinout from the University of Glasgow
- Jani Shibuya - Co-Founder and CEO of Hychor, spinout from the University of Aberdeen
- Daniel Bautista Salinas - Founder and CEO of Symmetri Surgical, spinout from the Imperial College London
Tech Transfer Officer webinars
These webinars are designed for Tech Transfer Officers and Commercialisation Managers, who play an important role in supporting spinout applications. We'll provide an overview of the application process, share guidance on how to best support applicants, and offer an opportunity to discuss questions and learn how we can work together to make the process as smooth and effective as possible.
Enterprise Fellowships funders
The Enterprise Fellowships programme is funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, The Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 and The ERA Foundation.
The Graduate Enterprise Fellowships programme is funded through the generous support of the 1851 Royal Commission as part of its wider programme of promoting excellence in science and innovation. The Commission’s aim is to ‘make a difference’ through supporting pure research in science and engineering, applied research in industry, industrial design and many other projects. The Commission is particularly interested in supporting projects involving disruptive innovations from early career entrepreneurs, and welcomes high-risk high reward applications. A representative of the Commission will be involved in the assessment process and interview panel.
https://royalcommission1851.org/
The ERA Foundation is delighted to be a partner with The Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 in supporting these valuable awards. The ERA Foundation supports the electech manufacturing sector across the UK by supporting engineering, innovation and skills development programmes. Our aim is to ensure the important role that the electech manufacturing sector plays in the UK economy is recognised and our funding support for these awards recognises emerging talent and the next generation of UK engineers. Through this support we aim to encourage entrepreneurship, innovation and technical excellence.
The Enterprise Fellowships programme is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors:
The Academy have made an assessment of the Enterprise Fellowship scheme against the principles of the Subsidy Control Act 2022 and have made this assessment available here. The Scheme has also been published on the transparency database (SC10913).