XClose

Innovation & Enterprise

Home
Menu

Venture Builder: Turn your idea into reality

During this 10-week programme, you’ll work towards turning your entrepreneurial idea into a viable venture – business, side hustle, not-for-profit, social enterprise, or other entrepreneurial project.

Overview

This programme will help you get your idea ready for market and prepare you for the next steps of your entrepreneurial journey. It'll take you through developing a proof-of-concept or prototype, building your network, as well as thinking and communicating commercially. You could also win a share of £8,000 prize money.

For: Students, staff and recent graduates with a tested idea
Location: Online and UCL BaseKX (near King's Cross)
Duration: 10 weeks
Format: One-to-one coaching and group workshops

    Who it’s for

    This programme is open to UCL students, staff and recent alumni (graduated from UCL within the past 2 years).

    This programme will support you to launch your:

    • business
    • side hustle
    • social enterprise
    • not-for-profit or charity
    • consultancy 
    • freelancing venture or
    • other entrepreneurial project

    Eligibility 

    To apply for this programme, you should have:

    • an entrepreneurial idea that you've been working on and want to turn into a reality
    • previously completed one of our of entrepreneurship training courses (such as the Explore programme or SPERO Learn) or have equivalent experience
    • the commitment to develop your idea, the ability to attend the programme in full, and the intention of continuing to develop your venture after the programme has finished

    You cannot apply if you're already a member of the Hatchery incubator programme.

    What to expect

    This programme takes place over 10 weeks.

    It involves:

    • a kick-off event with a meet and greet session (in-person at BaseKX)
    • six 30-minute one-to-one coaching sessions (online)
    • three 3-hour group coaching sessions, where you’ll present your idea and receive feedback (online)
    • a mid-programme event (in-person at BaseKX)
    • a pitch practice session (in-person at BaseKX)
    • a final pitch competition with a chance to win prize money (in-person at BaseKX)

    Throughout the programme, you'll also need to dedicate at least 3 hours a week to work independently on your idea.

    During the programme you’ll work with experienced start-up coaches and a community of likeminded early-stage entrepreneurs. You'll also get access to our team of industry advisors who you can contact for specialist advice.

    What you'll learn

    This programme will help you:

    • understand your sector and market opportunities for the development of your enterprise idea
    • develop a proof-of-concept or prototype of your idea so that you can showcase the product or service
    • network and build relationships with potential customers and collaborators, and illustrate market traction
    • develop your business model, brand and go-to-market strategy, to prepare to raise funds to launch your venture and/or begin trading
    • develop your presenting and negotiation skills, to pitch investors on your vision and the market opportunity and/or begin selling to clients / customers
    • understand what the next steps are to continue developing your entrepreneurial idea

    Dates and times

    This programme runs twice a year, in terms 2 and 3. For dates and times view:

    About the tutors

    Warrick Harniess, Managing Director, Scandinavia Stories

    Warrick is an educator and founder of Scandinavia Stories, a learning and development agency that specialises in business startup support and communications. He learnt his craft during a career at Pearson Education, and as a musician inspired by punk rock and the do-it-yourself ethos. Warrick’s first book, Red, White and Radical: What Organisations Can Learn About Change from the Rise of American Conservatism was published in May 2020. 

    Mario Moustras, Director, Mazamo Limited

    Mario is a leadership and talent development coach who works with researchers and entrepreneurs. Before becoming a coach, Mario worked for the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). He has a PhD in chemistry, and is a chartered scientist and Fellow of the RSC. Mario has worked with scientists and engineers across government agencies, industry and universities. He's led teams through science-related programmes in higher education, enterprise partnerships (especially with small companies) and technology policy.


    Filming and photography occasionally take place at our workshops and events. We use these photos and recordings to help promote future events through our website and social media channels. You can always choose not to be included in any photos or videos.

    Read our privacy notice to understand how UCL Innovation & Enterprise will deal with your personal data.

    UCL Innovation & Enterprise reserves the right to make changes to the programme, location and/or speakers without prior notice. Such alterations are occasionally necessary due to circumstances beyond our control.