Start-Up London

Idea to First Customer in 6-Weeks

Start-Up and Grow

Start-Up London 2026

Be the first to know about the 2026 community of London-based students and alums igniting ideas in this special 6-week programme.

Idea Feedback

Connect 1-2-1 with an expert to get personalised support for your idea and journey.

Start-Up Funding

£500 for your new business – on us. Get reimbursed for expenses.

What’s Happening

Discover other workshops, networking events, and more!

Make your idea a reality in 6-weeks.

Applications for the 2025 programme have closed. But you can learn more about the upcoming opportunities by expressing your interest.

JOIN FUTURE PROGRAMMES

Do you have an idea and need a springboard to take you to the next level?
Are you seeking support and structure to grow your passion?
Do you want to network with others and be energised among other doers, innovators, and dreamers?

Start-Up London brings London-based students and alumni together in a 6-week accelerator programme - from idea to first customer.

No business experience is necessary. Bring your passion, hard work, and can-do attitude; we'll provide the structure, knowledge, and community!

Session	Date	Theme
Session 1	Wed. 22 Jan	Designing your business to make money
Session 2	Wed. 29 Jan	Identifying your customers
Session 3	Wed. 5 Feb	Setting up the core of your business
Session 4	Wed. 12 Feb	Finding and managing money
Session 5	Wed. 19 Feb	Getting your first customer
Session 6	Wed. 26 Feb	Talking about your business with confidence

Start-Up London is open to all LSBU students and alumni.

Regardless of your school, degree, time at university, or year of graduation, if you have an idea or passion for a business, you can apply.

All ideas are welcome – whether its for a business, freelance service, social enterprise, or side-hustle.

All stages of the idea and business development are eligible! No business knowledge or experience is necessary.

Start-Up London offers you:

- An opportunity to express and test your passion or business idea,

- A 6-week series of exclusive, hands-on, and interactive workshop masterclasses,

- Networks and connections with other LSBU entrepreneur-minded folks as well as industry experts,

- Growth (and CV development) in entrepreneurial skills – like problem solving, thinking outside the box, pitching and presenting, leadership, and more,

- A pathway for available funding opportunities as well as fast-track access to LSBU’s incubator and accelerator programmes taking place year-round.

There is so much to gain – and win – by applying!

Yes! We have made it easier for all eligible LSBU students and recent grads to submit one application for two opportunities.

During your Start-Up London application, you may check the box to have your idea considered for the South Bank Ignite Competition. Note – South Bank Ignite is only available for current LSBU students and recent alumni (in the last two years).

During your South Bank Ignite application, you may check the box to have your idea considered for the Start-Up London accelerator programme.

When applying, tell us (in a nutshell)

- what the problem or need is,

- how it is currently being solved,

- what your solution is, and how your idea or business solves the problem.

Don’t forget to also introduce yourself (and your team) and how you are in the best position to lead this business idea forward.

Download the Word document of the application to review the information requested, and to work on your answers before submitting the online form.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MASTERCLASSES, EVENTS, AND OPPORTUNITIES AT LSBU

Open day

What's On

Find a range of LSBU events taking place on campus or overseas including open days, s...

Start-Up London

Start-Up and Grow

Idea Feedback

Start-Up Funding

What’s Happening

Make your idea a reality in 6-weeks.

Session

Date

Theme

Who can apply to Start-Up London?

Why should I join Start-Up London? What’s in it for me?

Have I automatically applied to Start-Up London by submitting my idea to the South Bank Ignite Competition? Will I automatically be applied to the South Bank Ignite Competition when I submit my Start-Up London application?

Will Start-Up London help me with my South Bank Ignite Competition entry?

What information do I need for my application?

I have more questions!

LEARN MORE ABOUT MASTERCLASSES, EVENTS, AND OPPORTUNITIES AT LSBU

Open day

What's On

InSight - LSBU Photography Degree Show

Product of South Bank Marketplace

South Bank Ignite Final and Festival

Product of South Bank Degree Show (private view)

The Last Days of Judas Iscariot by Stephen Adly Guirgis

An exhibition of architectural works

TikTok LIVE x LSBU: The Next Wave of Social Entrepreneurs

Summer Side Hustle Sprint

Freelancing Fundamentals

How to Communicate and Negotiate Effectively

From Vision to Reality: Overcoming Founder Bias through Customer-Centred Innovation

From Idea to Launch

How to Set Your Price and Value

Cashflow

Connect with South Bank Starters