NEWS31 March 2026
More than 30 early-stage innovators from across Surrey have taken a step closer to fulfilling their dreams of becoming tech founders following the successful completion of the FIRST cohort of the Surrey Venture Studio programme.
Surrey Venture Studio is a unique business growth initiative as it is the only programme for tech businesses in the county that offers standout innovative entrepreneurs the opportunity to receive £25k and six-months’ expert support to help launch and scale a new startup.
Now, Surrey Venture Studio is thrilled to announce that applications for the Summer Cohort are open until 8 May, enabling even more of Surrey’s promising tech entrepreneurs to turn their early-stage innovation ideas into viable technology business ventures.
A New Model for Early-Stage Innovation Support
SVS offers a unique two-day workshop and pitching programme tailored for people living, working and studying in Surrey to explore the business potential of their early-stage tech idea. Participants receive practical guidance, expert mentoring, and structured support designed to help accelerate their ideas toward commercial viability.
Ody Bassioukas, SVS Manager, said, “It’s been incredibly energising to see just how much progress can happen in a matter of days, ideas gaining clarity, confidence building, and new pathways starting to take shape. There’s a real momentum in the room, and it’s been inspiring to witness how quickly concepts are evolving into something tangible. The quality and originality of the ideas coming through have been exceptional, and this feels like just the beginning. I’m excited to see how these ventures continue to grow and where the next stages take them.”
Following the workshops, participants are invited to pitch to a panel of startup experts and investors, with the standout innovators receiving £25k of funding and a place on the six-month SVS Business Accelerator, giving founders the resources and momentum to take the next major steps in their ventures.
An Inspiring First Cohort
The inaugural round saw a remarkably diverse and energetic group of innovators whose ideas spanned multiple disciplines and sectors. Participants had access throughout the workshops to seasoned mentors from across the startup ecosystem, receiving invaluable insight, challenge, and encouragement.
Elizabeth Baldwin, Founder of Puzzle Proof – a digital, evidence-based, management system for domestic abuse survivors, noted the value of her SVS experience in making Puzzle Proof a reality, “It’s thrilling to feel like other people see value in this [Puzzle Proof]. I know this problem exists, and I have the opportunity to solve it. I was nearly at the point of thinking, ‘Am I going to take this further? Is this worth pursuing?’ Surrey Venture Studios has given me that push, saying, ‘Yes, this is worth doing. Let’s make this dream a reality.’ I encourage others to take that same leap.”
Iain Jamieson – Chairman S100 Angel Investment Club: “I was delighted to be asked to be a judge at the Surrey Ventures Studio workshop for start-ups, where some very exciting new business ideas were showcased. The event was expertly organised and is exactly the kind of support that is needed to provide nascent entrepreneurs with the ecosystem to succeed. I hope to see many of the participants seeking funding through the S100 angel investment club in the years to come.”
Caroline Fleming, Director of Surrey Innovation District ecosystem, University of Surrey, said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome our new Surrey Venture Studio cohort into the Surrey Innovation District ecosystem. Our region has a long legacy of technology pioneers, and this group reflects the ambition and creativity that define our community. I’m also thrilled that the applications are now open for our summer cohort. I would encourage anyone living, working or studying in Surrey with the spark of an idea to step forward. This is your opportunity to realise your tech entrepreneur ambition, supported by our world‑class innovation ecosystem.”
Looking Ahead: Round Two Now Open
With strong momentum from the first round, SVS is preparing for its next intake.
Applications for Round Two are now open until 8th May, with workshops scheduled for June.
Aspirational entrepreneurs and innovators working or studying in Surrey are once again invited to apply and take advantage of this transformative opportunity: Surrey Venture Studio launches to turn bright ideas into businesses – Surrey Research Park.
Join the Surrey Venture Studio Webinar
Want to find out more about Surrey Venture Studio Summer Cohort?
Sign up for an exclusive webinar on 21 April at 12noon, offering aspiring founders the chance to learn exactly how SVS can transform their early-stage ideas into thriving ventures. Hear directly from the SVS team and its delivery partners, understand the programme structure, and get your questions answered. Register here: Discover Surry Venture Studio – Your Gateway to Innovation