Discover the Data Driven Innovation Fellows programme. About the Programme The Data Driven Innovation (DDI) Fellows Programme supports academic and professional services staff at the University of Edinburgh to explore and develop spin-out or startup ventures. Delivered by the Bayes Centre and Edinburgh Futures Institute, the programme blends expert support, with funding and targeted learning that will help you take your innovation from concept to commercialisation. If you have an idea that engages with data and embraces interdisciplinarity, we’d love to hear from you. What the Programme Offers This programme runs from November 2025 until May 2026 and combines online learning and monthly in-person sessions with tailored support that will equip you with the tools, knowledge and network to create a minimum viable product and continue your commercialisation endeavours. As a Fellow, you’ll receive: Twelve in-person sessions focused on building a minimum viable product and furthering your understanding of the innovation journey. Self-led online learning to build confidence in key entrepreneurial concepts, tools and language. Access to seed funding and asset creation opportunities to accelerate your idea. Expert guidance from successful founders, IP specialists and investors. One-to-one support from Edinburgh Innovations as well as innovation leaders at the Bayes Centre and Edinburgh Futures Institute, alongside opportunities for individual mentoring. Support in brand development and storytelling to help you articulate and promote your idea. Who Should Apply? This opportunity is open to all University of Edinburgh staff on open-ended contracts, including both academic and professional services colleagues. We particularly encourage applications from women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff, who are underrepresented in this space. The programme of in-person sessions will, as much as possible, take place over lunchtimes to make the opportunity as accessible as possible around the existing work commitments of successful Fellows. We’re looking for individuals with a strong innovation concept covering any and all industry sectors, a desire to explore commercialisation, and a willingness to engage with the process of building a venture. Why Join? The DDI Fellows Programme is designed to: Help you develop your idea into a minimum viable product. Support the translation of innovation into real-world solutions. Promote an entrepreneurial mindset across the University community, in line with Research and Innovation Strategy 2030. Encourage engagement with, and support the integration of, the Innovation Competency Framework and contribute to our ever-growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. On completion, Fellows may have the opportunity to progress into other programmes such as Venture Builder Incubator and AI Accelerator. Ready to Take the Next Step? Be part of a dynamic cohort of innovators and receive the tools, funding and support needed to bring your idea to life. Register your interest using the link below. Sign up for the information session on Wednesday, 8th October at 12 PM to learn more about the Data Driven Innovation Fellows Programme. The event will be held in Room 1.55 at the Edinburgh Futures Institute.Join us and unlock your potential. The call for applications will open on Wednesday 8th October and close at 5pm on Monday 27th October. If you have any questions regarding the DDI Fellows programme please contact: Emma Fyvie-Harper efyvieh@ed.ac.uk This article was published on 2025-09-19
