What is the Surrey Venture Studio (SVS)?

Surrey Venture Studio (SVS) is a pre-accelerator programme designed to help innovators, academics, and entrepreneurs take the practical steps to turn an idea into a business. Many great potential ventures stall in the “valley of death” – the gap between idea/research and commercialisation. SVS exists to guide you through this stage, giving you the tools and support to make commercially viable decisions.

Funded by Surrey County Council through the Surrey Economic Growth Fund, SVS brings together UCA, the University of Surrey, and Royal Holloway. Entry into the SVS programme is competitive and subject to selection after completion of an initial 2-day ‘Ideation Workshop’. During the workshop, you will pitch your idea for a place on the 6-month SVS Accelerator programme and a £25K catalyst grant (terms and conditions apply).

To find out more and to apply:

https://www.businesssurrey.co.uk/surrey-venture-studio/

What will the Workshop cover? (indicative only)

Day 1: Exploration and Validation

  • Entrepreneurial mindset and opportunity recognition
  • Customer discovery and problem validation
  • Introduction to business models (lean canvas)
  • Mapping ideas to market needs

Day 2: Development and Pitching

  • Build a simplified business model canvas
  • Create a top-level plan for the next 6 months
  • Pitch preparation and coaching
  • Pitch session to a judging panel

FAQs

  • Do I need to be an existing business?
    No – you can apply with an idea or early-stage project.
  • Will I automatically get the catalytic grant funding?
    No – applying gives you access to the workshop. Progression to the accelerator and receipt of grant funding is competitive.
  • Is this programme free?
    Yes – there is no cost to participate.
  • How much time do I need to commit?
    Minimum 2 days per month for programme activities.

Where and when?

The UCA Ideation Workshop is ‘in-person’ and will take place at UCA Epsom (Wells Building), 19th & 23rd February (details tbc).

Who can apply?

Any member of UCA academic faculty, students or recent graduates (within the last 3 years) with a IP-rich idea and a desire to explore its commercial potential. The application form, with terms and conditions, is available here:

Surrey Venture Studio Application Form - Airtable

For an informal discussion about the SVS please contact Adrian Shanks:
adrian.shanks@uca.ac.uk