Surrey Venture Studio – Apply Today!
Surrey Venture Studio is now open, inviting Surrey innovators, academics, students and entrepreneurs to ignite their ideas to build a business. So if you have an idea ripe for commercialisation and are ready to start your business journey, seize this exciting opportunity today!
Do you have a business idea you believe could be transformational and marketable, but you’re unsure how to take the first step or secure funding?
Perhaps you already have designs, prototypes or research that hasn’t yet reached its full revenue generating potential.
If so, then Surrey Venture Studio is here to help you bridge that gap and fulfil your ambitions.
What is the Surrey Venture Studio and how do I apply?
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.
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.
At the end of the two-day workshop, participants will be invited to pitch their ideas ‘Dragon’s Den’-style. The successful applicants will secure a coveted place on the six-month accelerator programme and take a step closer to securing £25k in grant funding to launch their business!Apply directly via the Surrey Venture Studio application form.
Want to know more?
Join the Discover Surrey Venture Studio webinar on Thursday January 8 at 3pm. This will be your opportunity to hear from delivery partners about how the programme will work and what participants can expect. It’s also a great opportunity for you to get your questions answered.
Key Dates
- Discover Surrey Venture Studio Webinar – January 8, 2026
- Applications close – January 16, 2026
- Ideation Workshops
- University of Surrey Ideation Workshop – February 5 and 9, 2026
- Royal Holloway, University of London Ideation Workshop – February 12 and 16, 2026
- University for Creative Arts Ideation Workshop – February 19 and 23, 2026
- Open Call Ideation Workshop at Surrey County Council – February 26 and March 2, 2026
FAQs
Got a question about Surrey Venture Studio? Find answers in our FAQs below.
Who can apply?
Innovators, academics, students and entrepreneurs based in Surrey with ideas that have strong commercial potential.
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.
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 workshop?
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.
What is the time commitment?
You must commit to the two-day workshop and, if successful, the full six-month accelerator programme at around 2 days per month.
How many spaces are available?
Spaces are limited and offered to those whose ideas show strong potential for innovation and commercialisation.
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 an advantage to completing the application form early?
No, all applications received before the closing date will be judged equally.
Terms and Conditions
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 they 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 at approximately two 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.
Apply Today!
Apply directly via the Surrey Venture Studio application form.
- Or if you have any questions join the Discover Surrey Venture Studio webinar on Thursday 8th January at 3pm. Or contact the Surrey Venture Studio project team directly.