INSIGHTS / News

SETsquared and the University of Southampton Science Park have partnered to deliver two fully funded Entrepreneur Workouts, designed to help aspiring founders and early-stage innovators in science, technology and digital sectors build robust, scalable business models.

Taking place on 17-18 June 2026 (women’s only cohort) and 8-9 July 2026 (open cohort) at the University of Southampton Science Park, the programme offers hands-on business support for founders developing ambitious, product-led ideas with high-growth potential.

Built around the Strategyzer Business Model Canvas, participants will work through key elements of venture development, including value proposition, customer segmentation, channels, and revenue modelling. The programme culminates in a pitch session to a panel of expert mentors, alongside speed mentoring designed to provide direct, actionable feedback.

The dedicated women-only cohort has been introduced to build on the strong and growing momentum among female founders in entrepreneurship and STEM-related industries. Research shows that women-led businesses are already a powerful driver of economic growth, contributing over £250 billion annually to the UK economy, and closing the gender gap in entrepreneurship could unlock up to a further £250 billion in additional economic value. While women are increasingly active in start-ups and now represent around one in three UK entrepreneurs, there remains further opportunity to support scaling in high-growth sectors through improved access to investment, networks and early-stage support. Supporting female founders drives innovation, sustainability and inclusive growth, with women entrepreneurs representing one of the UK’s most significant untapped opportunities. This makes targeted support even more important in helping founders build confidence, access networks and progress their ideas. Programmes like the Entrepreneurs Workout are designed to do exactly that, helping strengthen confidence, engagement and participation. Previous participants have described the experience as “a safe space to share,” valuing the focused time, peer support, and practical feedback.

The second cohort of the Entrepreneurs Workout is open to all founders and offers an inclusive, dynamic environment for early-stage entrepreneurs to develop and refine their ideas. It brings together a diverse mix of participants, encouraging fresh perspectives, collaboration and shared learning, while providing the same hands-on support, practical tools and expert guidance that underpin the programme’s success.

Serena Giaminardi, Head of Programmes and Investment at SETsquared Partnership, said: “The Entrepreneurs Workout programme is a tried and tested approach that has already supported hundreds of budding entrepreneurs. It’s a fun and practical two days designed to help participants test their ideas and assumptions in a supportive environment, with the added benefit of expert mentoring. We consistently see how powerful the combination of hands-on workshops, peer learning and mentoring can be in helping early-stage founders move their ideas forward quickly and effectively.”

Lucinda Lamont, Business Development Director at the University of Southampton Science Park, added: “The women-only programme has proven to be a highly valuable environment for many founders, particularly those operating in traditionally male-dominated sectors. Participants often tell us they value the sense of openness and support it creates, allowing them to fully engage with the content and each other. It’s about giving founders the space and confidence to develop their ideas without barriers.”

The Entrepreneurs Workout is fully funded by the University of Southampton Science Park and acts as a feeder into the Catalyst programme, which supports high-growth innovation-led businesses across the Solent region.

The programme is open to founders or individuals with a strong business idea, sole traders, and early-stage ventures working in science, technology or digital fields, with a strong emphasis on scalable, product-led innovation. Applications are encouraged from founders of all backgrounds, with a commitment to supporting underrepresented groups in entrepreneurship.

Find out more about the programme: https://www.setsquared.co.uk/programme/entrepreneurs-workout/