Startup

The University of Edinburgh
Venture Builder Incubator

The Bayes Centre
From ideas to investment

What is it?

The Venture Builder Incubator is a curated hybrid programme of interactive, online workshops and events designed to provide postgraduate students and research staff with the skills, knowledge and networks to validate the commercial potential of data-driven ideas and innovations.

We are looking to work with motivated individuals and teams eager to test their ideas that address real world challenges by using digital technology.

The programme offers the opportunity to be at the heart of a vibrant community and to develop life-long professional and entrepreneurial skills.

  • Funding: access to a share of £100k+
  • Transform Ideas into Reality: the Venture Builder Incubator specialises in helping researchers bridge the gap between academia and entrepreneurship, guiding participants to develop a robust commercialisation and funding strategy.
  • Expert Guidance: Benefit from the mentorship from entrepreneurs-in-residence, and others in our network
  • Tailored Support: Receive a curated programme of interactive, online workshops and in-person events.
  • Access to Networks: Connect with a dynamic community of like-minded individuals. Meet mentors and investors. Forge valuable relationships, expand your professional network, and unlock endless collaboration opportunities
  • Entrepreneurial Education: Develop essential entrepreneurial skills through our tailored workshops and seminars. Acquire the knowledge necessary to navigate the competitive start-up landscape with confidence.

And more!

In research, it's easy to abstract a problem into a simpler form by making assumptions that aren't valid or realistic. Real-world applications often invalidate those assumptions. The Venture Builder Incubator gave me the ability to look at a problem from a user's perspective and build technology that addresses the true problem.”
Dr Kwabenah Nuamah . CerebralQA, VBI 3.0 (2023)

Who should apply?

We encourage applications from postgraduate students and researchers from the University of Edinburgh. Masters’ students, and recent alumni with innovative ideas, are also welcome to apply. Please get in touch if you have any queries.

While the programme is open to all sectors*, we provide tailored support for health and robotics projects.

As part of our partnership with Cancer Research Horizons, we welcome applications from researchers working in this area across the UK.

*Projects coming from the University of Edinburgh can be related to a wide number of industries but we are particularly interested in:

  • AgriTech including animal health and aquaculture
  • HealthTech including cancer-related ideas
  • Tech for Good
  • Companies using Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Blockchain or Quantum Computing
  • TravelTech
  • EdTech
  • ClimateTech
  • FinTech
Register to find out about Information Sessions and application deadlines.

Success stories

Startup | Venture Builder Incubator

Quas

Quas is a plant-based non-alcoholic beverages containing vitamins and organic acids produced by live probiotic bacteria that benefit your health.
Startup | Venture Builder Incubator

VisionRF

VisionRF is a healthcare-tech startup that has developed a remote monitoring device that detects the respiration and heart rate of users remotely, without requiring wearable sensors or wires.

Our Partners / Supported by

Cancer Research Horizons

Cancer Research Horizons is the innovation engine of Cancer Research UK, the world’s largest independent cancer research organisation. It was launched to take cutting edge innovations from the lab bench to the bedside and translate them into effective treatments and diagnostics for cancer patients.

cancerresearchhorizons.com