Surrey Venture Studio
Surrey Venture Studio is a programme for Surrey innovators, academics, students and entrepreneurs to ignite their ideas to build a business. Applications for the summer cohort are now open.
Take a look below to discover more background information about Surrey Venture Studio.
More about Surrey Venture Studio
This is an exciting new pre-accelerator programme to help innovators, academics and entrepreneurs across Surrey explore whether turning an idea into a business is the right path.
It is geared towards people who have a business idea that they believe could be transformational and marketable, but are unsure how to take the first step or secure funding. These may be innovators who have designs, prototypes or research that hasn’t yet reached its full revenue generating potential.
This exciting programme includes:
- A two-day, in-person ideation workshop
- Expert mentoring
- Opportunity to progress to a six-month accelerator
- Up to £25,000 catalyst grant funding, for successful six-month accelerator participant
Spaces on the workshop are limited and will be offered to applicants whose ideas are at the right stage of development and show strong potential for innovation and commercialisation.
Key Dates:
Applications for the summer cohort are now open and will close on 8th May 2026.
Dates of Ideation Workshops for confirmed participants:
- University of Surrey Ideation Workshop – June 4th and 8th, 2026
- Open Call Ideation Workshop at Surrey County Council – June 18th and 22nd, 2026
- Royal Holloway, University of London Ideation Workshop – June 25th and 29th, 2026
- University for Creative Arts Ideation Workshop – July 2nd and 6th, 2026
Discover Surrey Venture Studio Webinar
FAQs
Got a question about Surrey Venture Studio? Find answers in our FAQs below.
What is the Surrey Venture Studio Programme?
A new initiative focused on the pre-incubation phase, supporting academics, students, and entrepreneurs in Surrey to shape business models and assess market potential.
What is the end goal of the accelerator?
To help participants progress toward founding a scalable business in Surrey. Outcomes vary by project stage but include market validation, business model development and
preparation for launch.
Who can apply?
Innovators, academics, students and entrepreneurs based in Surrey with ideas that have strong commercial potential.
How do I apply and what is the deadline?
Applications are now open for the summer cohort of the Surrey Venture Studio and will close on 8th May 2026. See above for the apply button.
What information is required in the application?
Seven questions covering your idea, R&D plans, business aspirations, time availability, learning ambitions, expected outcomes, and your definition of success.
Do I need a fully developed product?
No. You can apply with an idea, prototype or early-stage research that could become a marketable product or service.
What happens if the programme isn’t right for me?
Organisers will signpost you to other suitable support programmes.
Where will the workshops be held?
The workshops will be held at the campus of the host university and Surrey County Council’s HQ in Reigate. University for Creative Arts will host at their Epsom site.
What happens after the workshops?
Participants will pitch their ideas to a panel. Successful applicants will join the six-month accelerator programme.
Is there an option to attend online?
No, there is not an option to attend online. If you have any accessibility issues that prevent you from attending in person, please contact the Surrey Venture Studio project team to ensure your needs are met.
How many spaces are available?
Spaces are limited and offered to those whose ideas show strong potential for innovation and commercialisation.
What are the key stages of the programme?
Two-day ideation workshop in June and July, followed by a six-month accelerator for selected projects.
What are the confirmed dates of the Ideation Workshops?
▪ University of Surrey Ideation Workshop – June 4th and 8th, 2026
▪ Open Call Ideation Workshop at Surrey County Council – June 18th and 22nd, 2026
▪ Royal Holloway, University of London Ideation Workshop – June 25th & 29th, 2026
▪ University for Creative Arts Ideation Workshop – July 2nd and 6th, 2026
Do I need a business bank account to apply?
No, you do not need one to apply. But you’ll be willing to open one before any grant funding can be paid.
Is there any advantage to completing the application form early?
No, all applications received before the closing date will be judged equally.
What is the required time commitment?
You must commit to the two-day workshop and, if successful, the full six-month accelerator programme at around four days per month.
How much is the grant?
£25,000 per project.
What can the grant be used for?
Activities including market testing, professional services (legal, IP advice), software tools, travel for customer engagement, consultants or interns
What can’t the grant be used for?
Activities including salaries, bonuses, pure R&D, office space, entertainment, gifts, or political activity.
Can the grant be used for teaching buyout?
Ideally not, but may be reviewed internally if it’s a barrier for academics.
Can the grant be used for coaching?
The programme already provides one-to-one mentoring and coaching-style support, so additional coaching is generally unnecessary
Will information shared during workshops be confidential?
Yes. Participants sign an offer letter covering confidentiality. Group work will avoid disclosure of sensitive details. One-to-one sessions are fully confidential.
How is IP handled?
You are not required to disclose technical details. Focus is on market need and commercial opportunity. IP strategy support is provided during the accelerator.
Where are the incubator facilities located?
Options include SETsquared Surrey (Guildford), UCA campuses (Farnham and Epsom), and business hubs in libraries via Surrey County Council.
What networking opportunities are available?
Access to Surrey’s innovation ecosystem, including SETsquared, V-Hive, UCA Games Incubator, Royal Holloway incubators, and the S100 Angel Investment Club.
Are there specific sectors or technologies targeted?
No. The programme is technology agnostic to encourage diverse ideas. Main requirement is scalability and growth potential.
Is the programme suitable for businesses already raising external funds?
If you’re at the stage of developing an investment pitch deck, the programme may be too early for you. However, apply if unsure – organisers can signpost you to other support.
Terms and conditions for confirmed participants
Surrey Venture Studio is funded by the UK Government and Surrey County Council via the Surrey Economic Growth Fund. It is delivered in partnership with the University of Surrey, University for the Creative Arts and Royal Holloway, University of London.
- Eligibility: Applicants live, work or study in Surrey and be eligible to work in the UK. Applicants should also comply with UK Subsidy Control
- Commitment: Applicants agree to attend the two-day workshop and, if successful, commit to the six-month accelerator and four days per month
- Selection: Participation in the workshop does not guarantee progression to the accelerator
- Funding: Grant funding is subject to acceptance onto the 6-month accelerator and must be paid into a business bank account
- Data Sharing: Applicant data may be shared with programme partners for delivery and monitoring purposes
- Intellectual Property: IP remains with the applicant; Surrey Venture Studio does not claim ownership
- Withdrawal: Surrey Venture Studio reserves the right to withdraw or amend the programme at any time
Not all applicants or workshop participants will progress. But those applying will need to commit to the full six month accelerator. This is irrespective of whether they are successful.
