EXPLORE

EXPLORE is an exclusive alumni programme that supports up to five deep tech entrepreneurs to increase their visibility, connections and exposure to investment in new overseas ecosystems.

EXPLORE takes the guesswork out of the decision to grow your markets beyond the UK. Through the Academy’s global network and unmatched convening ability, EXPLORE opens doors to world-class deep tech support, training and mentoring to develop lasting connections between talent and global expertise.

EXPLORE harnesses the Academy's expertise and role in deep tech innovation by creating a tailored 12-week programme for Hub Members to tap into an overseas entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Each year, EXPLORE selects a different deep tech sector and builds a 12-week programme of expert training and mentoring that culminates in a five-day mission to an international 'ecosystem-in-focus'. The opportunity is exclusively offered to nurture the talent of Hub Members who have completed an Enterprise Hub programme in the past.

What does this programme offer?

Across 12 weeks, EXPLORE designs a unique package of training and mentoring around you, the cohort of five entrepreneurs, their tech sector and the ecosystem-in-focus:

a five-day international mission to the ecosystem-in-focus packed with unmissable meetings, insights, and networking opportunities to increase your visibility, on-the-ground connections, and exposure to investment as one of the UK’s most promising deep tech founders backed by the Academy and its prestigious networks.
10 days of expert-led workshops on industry insights centred on capital, talent, market and intellectual property.
1:1 business coaching and mentoring from international and UK advisors to develop your goals, capitalise on your strengths and align your roadmap.
up to £12,000 in equity-free funding to embed the programme's learning and connections.
introductions to our network of investors and experts in the ecosystem-in-focus, including Academy Fellows, expat communities, fellow deep tech founders, and invaluable peer networks for mutual support around challenges.

Key growth areas

The content is expert-led and driven by our cohort’s needs offering you access to, and insights from, a network of industry experts, investors, and business support providers. Broadly, this will cover six key areas:

optimising your IP strategy
bridging business culture and expectation gaps
recruitment and establishing operations in the new ecosystem
expansion strategy
understanding the political and financial landscapes of the ecosystem
navigating regulatory hurdles

The programme will deepen your understanding of the ecosystem-in-focus, offer practical support, and prepare you for an unmissable international mission to explore, and tap into, investment and expansion opportunities.

Who is the programme for?

We are looking for:

Hub Members who have successfully completed an Enterprise Hub programme
deep tech leaders and entrepreneurs interested in market expansion

Check your eligibility for the programme and review the Applicant Guidance Notes.

Your journey

TRAINING

Starting in November, your cohort will meet for 10 days of hybrid training led by experts in expansion strategies

MENTORING

You will be matched with a mentor from the Academy's international network of Fellows and industry experts

COACHING

You will have a 1:1 business coach who will provide advice and support throughout the programme

MISSION

In February you will embark on the five-day international mission to make real connections on the ground

"The EXPLORE programme and international mission to Boston helped us to bridge our network into the local biotech ecosystem that otherwise seems opaque and impenetrable. This has enabled us to effectively land and expand in Boston and access new business and investment opportunities."

Tom Fleming, COO of Arctoris

"As part of the EXPLORE programme, we went to the West Coast of the US, and met with the fresh produce industry. So our plan is to expand into the US, and hire more high-paying jobs here in the North East."

Dr Atif Syed, founder and CEO of WootZano

Expression of interest

To express your interest in applying for EXPLORE 2023-24 programme, please leave your details and a member of the team will contact you:

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