News & Opportunities

If your organisation has a software project idea, we can connect you with student talent at the University of Bristol's School of Computer ScienceThe University of Bristol welcome novel and challenging proposals that give students the scope to design, test and evaluate a prototype system or an application using a user-centred approach for real-world clients.Student software projects are core to th

Following the success of our inaugural Pitch & Protect initiative in 2025, we are delighted to announce the official launch of the second edition of Pitch & Protect: The £10k IP Fund.Created to support innovative UK startups and early-stage businesses, Pitch & Protect was launched to help founders better understand, protect and commercialise their intellectual property.Last year’s competition attr

This is your chance to boost your healthcare scaleup with the extra credit and support it needs. Accepted scaleups will receive:€50k in free credits to use on OVHcloud Public Cloud infrastructure*Healthcare Accelerator program support and mentoringAccess to business and partnership opportunities in Healthcare including a POC opportunity with Guy's and St Thomas NHS Foundation TrustTimeline19 May 2

Early‑stage business founder in the Central South region? A fully funded 18‑week accelerator is now open! 🚀Do you have a brilliant business idea or an early-stage venture with big ambitions? The Catalyst accelerator programme could be the springboard you need.Delivered at University of Southampton Science Park in association with SETsquared Partnership, Catalyst is a fully funded, 18‑week acceler

The LIHE MedTech Venture Builder (MVB), now in its third year, is a 12-month structured programme in two stages to speed-up the commercial and clinical translation of promising medical technologies into robust, investment-ready healthcare ventures.Supporting companies from across the UK, the MVB, the first of its kind, is a collaborative effort led by LIHE, in collaboration with leading NHS Trusts

We are proud to officially launch the 2026 UK Tech Mission to China’s Greater Bay Area.23rd–27th November 2026 | Guangzhou • Shenzhen • Hong KongThe announcement was made at the Bristol and West of England China Bureau's Chinese New Year Banquet, celebrating the Year of the Horse and marking a landmark year in UK–China city collaboration.This mission is designed as a fast-track platform into Asia-

University of Southampton are recruiting up to six Experts in Residence to support our researchers in commercialising new technologies. At least two roles will begin as soon as possible, each running for 12 months at approximately one day per week.About the roleExperts in Residence will play a key part in strengthening our innovation ecosystem by:Delivering events, workshops, and mentoring to supp

What Eurostars isEurostars is a funding instrument that supports innovative SMEs and project partners (large companies, universities, research organisations and other types of organisations) by funding international collaborative R&D and innovation projects. By participating, organisations can access public funding for international collaborative R&D projects in all fields.To have a successful Eur

The word "exit" can feel a long way off.  Especially for founders focused on getting to MVP, closing their first round or hiring a critical tech lead.It might be part of your five-year vision, or something you rarely think about. Either way, understanding what exit might look like and how to plan for it is crucial to building a fundable, scalable startup.Common Startup Exit Pathways In the UK, the

Founders navigating the early stages of building a startup wear multiple hats. Whether its product strategy or fundraising, having trusted input can make all the difference. That’s where an advisory board can offer real value. What an Advisory Board Is (and Isn’t)An advisory board is an informal group of individuals who provide strategic insight, feedback and introductions based on their experienc

Securing first investment is a defining moment, both a milestone and a minefield. For founders of innovation-led ventures, understanding how to approach your first raise is critical.Let's explore the core steps in your early-stage funding journey, what investors look for and how to navigate the process with clarity and confidence. Understanding the Early-Stage Funding JourneyMost startups progress

📢 The Autumn Statement brings strong backing for UK tech with new measures to help startups scale up and stay in Britain. From tax reliefs and investment incentives to plans for talent and R&D, the UK is doubling down on its ambition to be a global hub for innovation-led growth.Key highlights include:• Enhanced R&D tax credits for SMEs• A new £50 million fund to drive tech clusters across the UK•

For many founders, particularly those from commercial, academic or non-technical backgrounds, building a technical team can feel like one of the most daunting steps in early-stage company growth. Whether you’re developing a digital health platform, scaling a deep tech spinout or working on net zero solutions, the technical talent you bring in early will shape your culture, product and future succe

2025 brings a mix of urgency, opportunity and scrutiny for early-stage climate tech founders. Climate capital is flowing, but selectively. While funding remains competitive, investors across the UK and Europe continue to back early-stage companies offering credible, scalable solutions to the climate crisis Climate Tech Themes Gaining Investment MomentumIn 2024–2025, climate tech investment is conv

As part of Wales Tech Week, there’s a panel coming up that’s worth checking out if international growth is on your radar.📅 Monday 24 November 2025🕥 Starts at 10:15amThe conversation will focus on the practical stuff — not just big-picture strategy, but what actually happens when a small business takes steps to grow overseas, especially into the U.S. market. Expect advice on things like setting u

Cyber threats are no longer just an IT issue — they’re a strategic risk at the highest level of business leadership. That’s why the South West Cyber Security Cluster (SWCSC) is launching a new event series tailored for SME leaders and board members, helping them navigate the evolving cyber landscape with confidence.The first session takes place online on Friday 21 November at 09:00, and will focus

The UK government has confirmed a record £55 billion investment in research and development to accelerate breakthroughs across key sectors such as health, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and AI.This long-term funding package will support national research organisations, strengthen public-private collaboration, and help turn cutting-edge science into practical solutions for the UK economy and

The 1851 Royal Commission has opened applications for its 2026 Industrial Fellowships, offering up to £125,000 in funding to support graduates in science, engineering, medicine or design to pursue a PhD while working in industry.This unique scheme enables companies to co-create bespoke research projects aligned with their innovation goals, while Fellows gain both academic and industrial expertise

The Poland Prize by Concordia Design Accelerator offers an exciting soft-landing programme for international startups ready to expand into the heart of Europe.🌍 What’s on offer?• Up to €95,000 in equity-free funding• Full business & legal support for entering the Polish market• Access to top-tier mentors & experts• Gateway to a growing market of 38+ million peopleConcordia Design Accelerator—base

Wayflyer, a leading fintech known for its support of eCommerce growth, has just launched a new Innovation Fund aimed at expanding financing access for a broader range of SMEs—including those in the digital tech and health innovation sectors.This new pilot programme will explore flexible, sector-agnostic funding models to support businesses beyond traditional online retail—an important step for com