Venture Builder Incubator

The Venture Builder Incubator is a curated hybrid programme of interactive, online workshops and events designed to provide postgraduate students and research staff with the skills, knowledge, and networks to commercialise data-driven innovations.

We are looking to work with motivated individuals and teams eager to test their ideas that address real-world challenges by using digital technology. The programme offers the opportunity to be at the heart of a vibrant community and to develop life-long professional and entrepreneurial skills.

Since the programme started in 2021, 131 founders and companies have participated in the Venture Builder Incubator and have raised a total of £8.8 million through grants and investments.

Latest News

Applications to participate in VBI 5.0 are now closed. Please register here to be notified when applications reopen and for other key updates.

Programme Benefits

While we welcome all digital or science-based applications, the Venture Builder Incubator continues to provide specific support for Robotics and Autonomous Systems.

Participants in the Venture Builder Incubator will benefit from:

Funding: Access to a share of up to £100k+ to support your venture.
Transform Ideas into Reality: Specialising in bridging the gap between academia and entrepreneurship, guiding participants to understand market dynamics and develop robust commercialisation strategies.
Expert Guidance: Mentorship from entrepreneurs-in-residence, support from the National Robotarium, and insights from industry experts.
Tailored Support: A curated mix of interactive online workshops and in-person events.
Access to Networks: Connect with a dynamic community of like-minded individuals and industry partners, forging valuable relationships and unlocking collaboration opportunities.
Entrepreneurial Education: Develop essential entrepreneurial skills through tailored workshops and seminars, helping you navigate the competitive start-up landscape with confidence.

Partnerships

Through our ongoing partnership with Cancer Research Horizons, we offer tailored support for founders working on oncology-related innovations. Thanks to additional funding from the Barclays Eagle Labs Ecosystem Partnership Programme, we also extend expertise to projects addressing other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and social care.

Community and Delivery

The Venture Builder Incubator is delivered by the University of Edinburgh’s leading innovation hub for Data Science and AI, the Bayes Centre, and Edinburgh Innovations, the University of Edinburgh’s commercialisation service. It is part of the University’s Data-Driven Innovation Hubs. We are eager to work with motivated individuals and teams keen to solve real-world challenges by creating data-driven companies utilising technology—whether software, hardware, or potential digital components.

Join Our Community

Don’t miss out on future updates! Stay engaged with the Venture Builder Incubator and Scotland’s AI and data ecosystem. Sign up here for updates about our programme and future opportunities.