INSIGHTS / News

Entrepreneurs leading start-ups, spin-outs and early-stage technology-driven businesses are invited to apply for a place on the South’s leading business accelerator, Catalyst. Applications are now open and close on 11 December 2026, ahead of the next programme starting in spring 2027.

Catalyst gives ambitious company founders the practical support, expert guidance and valuable connections they need to help turn promising ideas into strong, investment-ready companies.

Successful applicants commit to spending one day each week at Southampton Science Park, where they benefit from in-person workshops and one-to-one mentoring sessions aimed at driving fast-track growth. Over 18 weeks, they build the skills needed to grow with confidence – from shaping a clear offer and a robust business plan to identifying early customers and advocates, building a marketing and sales strategy, and establishing the financial and legal foundations to raise investment.

The programme’s track record is impressive:

• 130 businesses prepared for high growth.
• 85% of alumni businesses continue trading.
• £75 million investment capital raised.
• 300 jobs created.

Catalyst is fully funded, so successful participants pay nothing to benefit from the programme, and they retain all equity. It is delivered by Southampton Science Park in partnership with Health Innovation Wessex, the National Oceanography Centre and the University of Southampton’s School of Healthcare Enterprise and Innovation, with further support from Test Valley Borough Council through the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund and the SETsquared Partnership.

Participants in the last cohort commented:

• “Joining Catalyst was jumping into the unknown. It exceeded my expectations with huge insights. My advice? Do it! It really is a ‘catalyst!’ Without it, I wouldn’t have had the push to get the company so far in such a short period of time.”
• “I found Catalyst invaluable in moving forward with my business. I transitioned from minimum viable product to a live business, and I couldn’t have done that without the support of my mentor.”
• “It was a fantastic opportunity. I learned a vast amount of useful knowledge and gained an enormous amount of confidence.”

Read more about the experience

 

Southampton Science Park is the only commercial community in the Central South dedicated to the evolving and fast moving needs of science and technology-led businesses. Home to start-ups and global leaders alike, it delivers a unique mix of a healthy location, high-quality facilities, a like-minded entrepreneurial community and long-term growth opportunities.

To benefit from this proven business support programme, apply using the short online form before 11 December. Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to pitch to the Catalyst team in January 2027.

Apply today