INSIGHTS / News

The Surrey Venture Studio is officially up and running, marking a significant milestone for innovation and entrepreneurship in Surrey.

This transformative initiative has been made possible through the Surrey Economic Growth Fund secured by a collaborative bid led by the University of Surrey, in partnership with Royal Holloway University of London (RHUL) and the University for the Creative Arts (UCA). Together, these institutions leveraged their unique expertise to deliver a programme that supports innovators, academics, and entrepreneurs in turning ideas into impactful businesses.

Funded by Surrey County Council and the UK Government, the Surrey Economic Growth Fund focuses on driving innovation and economic growth across the region. The bid demonstrated how Surrey Venture Studio would act as a catalyst for change, bridging the gap between research and commercialisation…the critical “valley of death” where many promising ideas stall. By providing tailored resources, workshops, mentoring, and grant funding, the studio empowers entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into viable ventures and contribute to the region’s economy.

Surrey Venture Studio is structured as a 12-month programme, running from February 2026, with two cohorts planned during the year. Each cohort begins with a two-day in-person ideation workshop, where up to 30 entrepreneurs will refine their concepts and pitch for a place on the six-month accelerator programme. From each workshop, 8 participants will be selected to join the accelerator, where they will receive intensive mentoring, tailored support, and access to £25,000 in catalyst grant funding to bring their ideas to life. The second cohort will follow in May/June 2026, offering another opportunity for innovators to join this programme.

To kick off the year, the Surrey Venture Studio team hosted a webinar last week, introducing the initiative to the wider Surrey community. The event provided an overview of the studio’s mission, programme structure, and opportunities for engagement and showcased the collaborative effort that brought the venture to life. Attendees heard from delivery partners about how the programme works and what participants can expect, generating significant interest and enthusiasm.

Applications for the February cohort are now open, with spaces limited to those whose ideas demonstrate strong potential for innovation and commercialisation. The two-day ideation workshops will culminate in a pitch session, where participants present their ideas to a judging panel. Those selected for the accelerator will commit to approximately two days per month over six months to develop their ventures further, supported by expert mentors and resources.

For more information about Surrey Venture Studio, to apply, or to get involved, visit Surrey Venture Studio