Surrey Venture Studio Reveals Summer Cohort as Demand for Regional Entrepreneurial Support Soars

The results are in, after a record breaking 80 applications, for the summer Surrey Venture Studio (SVS) early-stage tech company Accelerator. Eight high-potential pioneering entrepreneurs are a step closer to fulfilling their dream of becoming a successful tech startup founder.

Founders of the eight startups will participate in the SVS six-month accelerator, receiving intensive commercialisation support, expert mentoring and market validation, alongside access to £25,000 of funding from Surrey County Council to accelerate their journey to market.

The successful participants’ business ideas cover a wide range of technologies and sectors ranging from community solutions to deep tech, and sectors such as construction, med tech and motor sports.

Ody Bassioukas, Surrey Venture Studio Manager, was delighted by the success of the programme and the potential for Surrey’s ecosystem growth.

“I’ve been incredibly impressed by the quality and ambition of the ventures that participated in this round. The exceptionally high standard made selecting just eight ventures for the Accelerator a genuinely challenging process.
“Congratulations to all the founders progressing to the next stage. Through SVS, we are continuing to build and strengthen the innovation ecosystem, connecting ambitious entrepreneurs with the expertise, networks and investment opportunities they need to turn promising ideas into successful businesses.”

Caroline Fleming, Director of Surrey Innovation District ecosystem, University of Surrey, said:

“Once again, it was amazing to see the innovation and creativity from people across Surrey. Programmes like Surrey Venture Studio, are unique in that they support early startups get off to the best possible start and support them towards scaling up into an SME, which are the lifeblood of the UK economy. Without schemes like this, we risk the overlooking the next James Dyson or Anne Boden [founder of fintech company Starling], that’s not just a shame, it’s bad for Surrey’s economic growth”

Launched at the end of 2025, the Surrey Venture Studio programme is delivered through a unique partnership between the University of Surrey, Royal Holloway University of London,
the University for the Creative Arts, and Surrey County Council. It brings together academic
expertise, entrepreneurial mentoring and local economic development in a way that is
helping to knit together Surrey’s wider innovation ecosystem.

What does the future hold?

Looking ahead, the team is excited for the six months to come.

The new cohort of founders faces a challenging journey, but with the mentoring, workshops and investor access the accelerator provides, there is real confidence that these ventures are well placed to succeed, and the Surrey Venture Studio team is looking forward to being part of that journey with them.

Stay up to date with updates

For more information about Surrey Venture Studio, or to register interest in future cohorts, visit their LinkedIn page or visit the SVS webpage for background info.