Summer Accelerator
Do you have a new business idea that needs a development boost over the summer? Join our 3-month programme, where we help you fast-track the commercial development of your idea and give you the chance to win £5,000.
If you’re interested in hearing more about Summer Accelerator 2023 please complete the form below.
What is the Summer Accelerator?
The Summer Accelerator, run in partnership with Imperial College Business School from July until September, is the perfect opportunity for students looking to get more out of their summer and give their business idea a big developmental push.
You’re looking at 12 weeks of 1-1 sessions with a mentor, business coaching, pitch training and Experts-in-residence. All with a £500 grant PLUS a possible extra £1,000 in monthly grants (dependent on progress).
The programme ends with a pitch showcase in September, where teams compete for our cash prize of £5,000!
Entry requirements
- Teams must include at least one current student or alumni from Imperial College Business School (graduated no earlier than 2020).
- The Team lead must be an Imperial College London students or recent alumni (graduated no earlier than 2020).
- Teams must be comprised of between two and five individuals.
- Team members may be external, as long as the above criteria are fulfilled.
- Teams must not have previously received more than £100,000 in funding.
- Teams must have already made clear and demonstrable progress in customer discovery and toward proof of concept or prototype stage.
Programme Schedule
INDUCTION SESSION
Selected teams will attend an induction session where they will receive an introduction to the programme, meet the rest of the cohort and the Enterprise Lab programme team.
PRE PROGRAMME BUSINESS COACHING
Teams will meet with a business coach to assess their level of development.
MENTOR/COHORT MIXER EVENT
At the Mixer event, all teams will get the chance to meet the programme mentors.
MENTOR MEETINGS
At their monthly mentor meetings, teams will discuss their progress toward monthly goals agreed with the business coach and any challenges they are facing.
BUSINESS COACHING
You receive 3 online business coaching sessions as part of the programme (45 minutes each).
Business coaching will allow teams to set goals for the month and identify how to use your £500 grant.
CUSTOMER VALIDATION WORKSHOP
This workshop is designed to help teams learn how to build on the customer work they’ve already undertaken.
ALUMNI FIRESIDE CHATS
Teams will have the opportunity to hear from previous Summer Accelerator teams about their business journey, their experiences on the programme and the lessons they’ve learned.
EXPERTS-IN-RESIDENCE
Teams will get the opportunity to meet with three different experts from the Enterprise Lab’s Experts-in-Residence service.
SUMMER ACCELERATOR FINAL
Teams pitch to an expert panel of judges, followed by a Q&A, for the chance to win the £5000 Programme Prize.
This will be in front of a live audience including Imperial College students, alumni and external contacts in the wider ecosystem.
POST PROGRAMME COACHING
Teams to meet with a business coach to assess their level of development following the conclusion of the programme. This will also be an opportunity to discuss a post-programme action plan.
FAQs
Can I submit several projects?
Will I need to attend in person?
Yes. The programme will include both in person and virtual sessions. You must be able to attend in person events to participate in the programme.
How advanced do ideas have to be to apply?
Do you take any equity in my team/company?
What are the Terms and Conditions?
You can find the programme terms and conditions here.
Can I speak to someone about my application?
Yes, if you have any questions please get in touch with Euan Bell: euan.bell@imperial.ac.uk
How much money can each team win?
Each team can win up to £1,500 in monthly grants. The overall programme winner will be awarded the Programme Prize of £5,000.
Meet the Alumni
Dama Health
Summer Accelerator 2021 winner, Dama Health, is revolutionising the way in which women are matched to their contraception.
DASH Rides
DASH Rides is a fast and easy e-bike subscription service that aims to change the way the world moves for good. The service lets businesses empower their employees by giving them easy access to a cost-efficient, healthy and carbon-busting way to travel.
Testimonials
“The Summer Accelerator allowed us to get perspectives from different people – that outside feedback was massively useful in getting us to explore different paths and help us move our idea forward.”
Huzaifa Patel, Remote Sense
How to apply
Applications are now closed.
If you have any questions please email Euan Bell: euan.bell@imperial.ac.uk
