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 improve investor readiness.
What is the Summer Accelerator?
The Summer Accelerator – run in partnership with Imperial College Business School from August to October – is the perfect opportunity for founders to boost the development of their startup to get to a place where they’re ready for investment.
You’re looking at 12 weeks of 1-2-1 mentorship, business coaching, group workshops and Experts-in-residence sessions. All with a £1,000 grant for each team!
The programme ends with a pitch event in October, where teams will showcase their startups in front of an audience from the Imperial community and external investor network.
Entry requirements
- The Team lead must be a current Imperial College London student, recent alumni (graduated no earlier than 2020) or Early Career Researcher.
- Teams must be comprised of between two and five individuals.
- Team members may be external, as long as the above criteria are fulfilled.
- Ventures have to be at pre-seed looking to raise investment within the next 6 to 12 months with significant customer validation, prototyping track record and raised funds (for example via grants or prizes).
Programme Sessions
WELCOME LUNCH
Meet the rest of the Summer Accelerator cohort and Enterprise Lab Programme team over an informal lunch.
PRE PROGRAMME BUSINESS COACHING
Teams will meet with a business coach to assess their level of development.
MENTOR/COHORT 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). These will allow you to set goals each month of the programme.
SALES WORKSHOP
This workshop is designed to help teams understand the process required to reach their first sale.
DELIVERING ON INVESTMENT WORKSHOP
This workshop will help teams understand how to deliver on investment once they have raised.
FOUNDER WELLBEING WORKSHOP
This workshop will help teams develop the skills to thrive in the startup environment.
This will be accompanied by monthly group peer to peer sessions.
BUILD A TEAM WORKSHOP
This workshop will help teams understand how to build their core team.
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 and will get the chance to take part in a Q&A.
This will be in front of a live audience including Imperial College students, alumni and investors.
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.
Meet the 2023 cohort
aiKNIt
Why aiKNIT?
aiKNIT invents cutting edge technology and programmable devices to create a paradigm shifting experience in the approach to healing musculoskeletal disorders. It differentiates itself through placement beyonf current structures – it is not just a medical device, nor a fashion piece, but a new industry whihc values wellbeing at the core.
ElectroPET
Why ElectroPET?
An innovative process for PET recycling into its monomers terephthalic acid (TPA) an ethylene glycol (EG), with subsequent electrocatalytic conversion of EG into green hydrogen.
INNOGEN
Why INNOGEN?
INNOGEN’s optimised platelet-rich plasma system revolutionises erectile dysfunction treatments, addressing the root cause by promoting tissue and nerve repair.
Neubond
Why Neubond?
At Neubond, we specialise in personalised home rehabilitation devices for stroke patients to address their mobility constraints. Our innovative devices establish a direct connection to the patient’s body, seamlessly integrating effective therapy into their daily lives.
Nex.Q
Why Nex.Q?
The world’s most advanced AI for infection prevention and control. Building the next-generation system for infectious disease management, we aim to predict infections, prevent outbreaks, and save lives.
Papcup
Why Papcup?
Papcup is a novel biosensing device that helps women who are concerned about cervical cancer but struggle with smear tests.
Wearitech
Why Wearitech?
Wearitech is an ECG monitoring shirt that measures the users’ heart-activity continuously throughout the day. Wearitech alerts the user to abnormal heart rhythms to prevent SCD. Wearitech is the perfect accompaniment for athletes, people with pre-existing heart conditions, or anyone who wants to take a closer look at their heart-health.
FAQs
How many teams are on the Summer Accelerator?
Seven teams will be accepted onto the programme.
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 on the South Kensington campus to participate in the programme.
When can I expect a reply regarding my application?
We aim to let all our all applicants know if they’ve been accepted onto the programme by 5.00 PM on Monday 24 July.
Do you take any equity in my team/company?
Can I submit several projects?
How advanced do ideas have to be to apply?
Ventures have to be at pre-seed looking to raise investment within the next 6 to 12 months with significant customer validation, prototyping track record and raised funds (for example via grants or prizes).
We can’t accept brand new ideas.
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: [email protected]
How much money is each team awarded?
Each team is awarded a grant of £1000 at the start of the programme.
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: [email protected]
