Secure your place on next summer's cohort!
Receive £3,000 equity-free grant funding and a full package of support to turn your business dreams into a reality over the summer.
Exclusively for University of Southampton students and recent graduates!
“The Foundership program was brilliant. It provided me time, resources, funding, skills and office space to work on my start-up all of summer. I would have had to get a job and not been able to commit as much time as I did to the start-up without it.” – Samuel Aaron, mytender.io
Register Your Interest NOW!**We highly recommend reading all the website information before in full **
What is the Foundership?
The Foundership is a 10-week programme of funding and support for aspiring founders. The aim of the programme is to nurture and support student-led businesses within the University of Southampton, providing student founders with the resources, knowledge, guidance, and a supportive environment to help create successful and sustainable businesses.
“It was absolutely amazing. I learnt so much from the mentors and the sessions and talking to the cohort.”
– Emma Boxley, Supple Nutrition
“The Foundership gave me a broad perspective on what it is like to run and manage a business, as well as exploring potential other routes.”
– Lois Brewer, Snowys Maps
This amazing opportunity includes, £3,000 in prize-funding, dedicated workspace in the Student Enterprise Junction co-working space, expert-led workshops and weekly 1:1 mentoring sessions, all backed by the generous support of the University of Southampton alumni community.
The funding provided is to support with individual expenses whilst on the programme. Successful applicants can separately apply for additional funding to support business development via the Student Enterprise Fund.
Register Your Interest NOW!
“The development of both us personally and the business was incredible. We went from knowing little about business to getting ready to launch one. The programme was brilliantly designed, I was sometimes left without questions because everything I needed to know had been discussed.”
– Benj & Patrick, Co-founders, The Ripped Bear
“The office space is really welcoming and adds to the sense of community. The funding replaced my summer job and allowed me the peace of mind of working on my business but also being able to pay my bills.”
– Megan Gillet, Freelance Composer
Please note: a requirement for the Foundership 26 is that you are able to commit to working a minimum of 3-days a week* on your idea/business over the 10-week period (24 June – 5 September 2026).
*Please contact the Student Enterprise Team at [email protected] or book a Student Enterprise Appointment to discuss individual restrictions and requirements.
Register Your Interest NOW!With only 8 business spaces up for grabs, entry to the programme is competitive. However, the programme is open to all types of business, social enterprise or free-lancing service, across all sectors and at any stage of development.
Previously we have supported undergraduates, PHD, masters students and recent graduates (last 12 months). We recommend you get in touch and book a meeting with one of the team to discuss your commitments and suitability for the programme.
*Please note that the Foundership is only available to individuals who are legally eligible to start a business in the UK* International students studying on an International Student Visa are not permitted to engage in business activity in the UK.
What do we expect from the Foundership 26 cohort?
Please note: if you are interested in the Foundership but cannot commit to these requirements, please book a meeting with the Student Enterprise Team to discuss as there may be opportunity for some flexibility, depending on the circumstances.
- Commitment to work a minimum of 3-days per week on your business, for the duration of the programme
- Commitment to be located on-site at the Student Enterprise Junction, Sir James Matthews Building Southampton, on ‘Cohort Days’ (Wednesday and Thursdays), and one additional day per week (3 days total), for the duration of the programme
- Commitment to attend the Foundership 26 Launch Days in-person on Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 June 2026.
- Commitment to attend a minimum of eight 1-1 mentor sessions with a Student Enterprise or Social Impact Labs Consultant over the course of the programme
- Commitment to attend the Mid Programme Review Sessions
- Demonstrated weekly progress towards your business goals, based on agreed weekly actions
- Participation in group sessions and activities with other members of the cohort
- Support and championing of other cohort members
- Participation in a Student Foundership Showcase Event in October 2026 (date and format tbd)
- The courage to step out of your comfort zone, work hard, have fun and think big!
What are ‘Cohort Days’?
Cohort Days are learning and collaboration days, where we expect the entire cohort to be on-site at The Student Enterprise Junction.
Cohort days take place every Wednesday and Thursday during the programme.
What to expect:
- Expert-led workshops across business strategy, planning, marketing, accounting, legal, mindset and much more.
- Group coaching and collaboration opportunities
- Team building, support and mentorship
- Networking with alumni founders, local businesses and subject matter experts
Attendance to some of the workshops and external speaker events taking place on cohort days will be optional. However, the majority will be compulsory. In addition to the content sessions, you will have time and space to work on your business and collaborate with other cohort members. A schedule for workshops and talks will be provided at least 2 weeks in advance.
Cohort Days take place every Wednesday and Thursday over the 10-week period.
What will the Foundership 26 cohort receive?
Below is an overview of the package of support each member of the Foundership cohort will receive:
- Funding: Up to £3,000 in grant funding to allow you to work full-time on your business over the summer.
- Knowledge & Resources: 10 weeks of content workshops across business strategy, planning, marketing, accounting, legal, mindset and much more.
- Support: 10 weeks of regular mentorship, accountability and support, including weekly 1-1 sessions with the Student Enterprise Consultants.
- Access to Experts: Expert-led sessions and networking opportunities with experienced business professionals and engaging entrepreneurs.
- Work-Space: Monday to Friday access to a dedicated workspace in the heart of Southampton city centre – The Student Enterprise Junction.
- Founder Showcase: An opportunity to showcase your business to students, academics, experts and business owners across the University of Southampton ecosystem and beyond.
- Founder Network: Lifetime access to the Foundership Founders Network, a community of past and current founders.
- Venture Fest: A Stand at Venture Fest 2027 and a spot in Battle of the Pitches.
How do I apply?
Applications are open on a rolling basis until 30 April 2026.
Places are extremely competitive, so you are encouraged to register your interest and apply early in the academic year.
There are 8 places available on the cohort. These will be allocated on a first come, first-served basis for successful applicants.
Interested parties are encouraged to register their interest early and book a 1:1 with a member of the Student Enterprise and Social Impact Labs Team to discuss their business idea and suitability for the programme.
Register Interest for Summer 2026Application process:
- Register your interest
- Book a 1:1 appointment with a member of the team
- Work with a Student Enterprise or SIL Consultant to develop a plan to strengthen your application
- Work on developing your business idea to ensure it meets eligibility criteria
- Complete the Foundership 2026 application form – available on request from the team
- Online interview with the broader Student Enterprise / SIL Consultant
If you have any questions, concerns of accessibility requirements you would like to discuss, we highly encourage you to book a Student Enterprise Appointment with one of the team or email us on [email protected].
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Do I need a business idea to apply?
Yes, in order to apply and be consider for the Foundership you will need to have a business idea that you are committed to explore over the coming months and are willing to work on over the summer a minimum of 3 days per week.
Can I apply with my team?
Only one of your team needs to apply, however the funding is per business. Therefore the maximum you will receive as a business / team will be £3000.
When are the Cohort Days?
Cohort Days take place every Wednesday and Thursday over the 10-week period.
Can my team attend the Cohort Days?
Yes, co-founding members of your team are able to attend the Cohort Days, with prior agreement from the Student Enterprise Team
Do I have to attend Cohort Days in person?
Yes, you will ideally be required to attend Cohort Days in person. However, there may be flexibility in individual circumstances. If you have any questions regarding this, please book a 1:1 with the Student Enterprise Team to discuss.
Can I work on my business remotely?
Yes, you can work on your business remotely. However, you must work at The Student Enterprise Junction co-working space a minimum average of 3-days per week, over each 4-week Funding Period in order to receive the full £1000 for that Funding Period.
Can I still apply if I can only commit to working on my business 2 days per week?
Yes, you can still apply to the programme. However, you must be available to attend Wednesday Cohort Days. In addition, if you are only able to work 2 days per week on-site (including the Cohort day), you will only receive two thirds of the funding amount. We would highly recommend you scheduling a discussion with the Student Enterprise Team to discuss your individual requirements prior to submitting your application. You can email the team at [email protected] or book a Student Enterprise Appointment.
Register Interest for the Foundership 26 Cohort.
If this like it could be something you’re interested in exploring further, the first step is to complete the Expression of Interest form. You will then need to Book a 1:1 appointment with one of the team to discuss your eligibility for the programme.
Book 1:1Foundership Alumni Examples
“As a medical student, I found the Student Enterprise program invaluable—not only in growing initiatives like the national charity Mind Health for Medical Students and my business Supple Health, but also in gaining essential, transferable skills that will benefit me throughout my career. Programs like this are so important for medical students because they provide a foundation in business acumen, marketing, and leadership—critical skills that are often not covered in traditional medical education. Most doctors will find themselves managing a team as consultants, running private practices, or diversifying into other roles throughout their careers. These transferable skills are vital in preparing us for those realities, helping us become well-rounded, effective leaders in any setting.” – Emma Boxley, Supple, Foundership 2024
“The Foundership is a unique experience that helped me and my business grow together. I learned so much through spending time with other founders, mentors and experts, it is a special programme I cannot recommend highly enough to student founders!” – Rebecca Hamilton, Body Freedom, Foundership 2024