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

  1. Teams must include at least one current student or alumni from Imperial College Business School (graduated no earlier than 2020).
  2. The Team lead must be an Imperial College London students or recent alumni (graduated no earlier than 2020).
  3. Teams must be comprised of between two and five individuals.
  4. Team members may be external, as long as the above criteria are fulfilled.
  5. Teams must not have previously received more than £100,000 in funding.
  6. 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?
Yes! As long as you’ve done the required research on them all (see our Entry Requirements 👆) you can submit several ideas.

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?
You have to show that you’ve made clear and demonstrable progress (e.g. customer discovery work, proof of concept, prototyping) to show that your idea is suitable for this programme. We can’t accept brand new ideas.

Do you take any equity in my team/company?
No. We’re in this to help you, and have designed this programme to give you the skills and support so you can create your own company and carve out your own future.

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
Dama Health

Summer Accelerator 2021 winner, Dama Health, is revolutionising the way in which women are matched to their contraception.

DASH Rides
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

What's on

From community events to expert masterclasses… There’s always something going on at the E-Lab

Next events

How To Build a Financial Model
How To Build a Financial Model

Event dateMarch 29, 2023

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How To Pitch Your Idea
How To Pitch Your Idea

Event dateApril 28, 2023

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