Surrey Venture Studio round two is now open for those with bright business ideas. Apply now to win £25,000 of funding and six-months of expert support to help launch and scale a new start-up.
Surrey Venture Studio is a unique business growth initiative developed and delivered by the county’s three universities and Surrey County Council.
It is the only programme for tech businesses in the county that offers standout innovative entrepreneurs the opportunity to funding and support to turn their ideas into a reality
More than 30 early-stage innovators completed the first round of the programme, which launched last year.
Now, Surrey Venture Studio is thrilled to announce that applications for the Summer Cohort are open until 8 May. It offers even more of Surrey’s promising tech entrepreneurs to turn their early-stage innovation ideas into viable technology business ventures.
Want to know more?
- Apply directly via the Surrey Venture Studio application form.
- Sign up to the webinar on April 21 to learn more about the scheme
- Ask the Surrey Venture Studio project team questions directly by getting in touch.
What is Surrey Venture Studio?
Surrey Venture Studio offers a unique two-day workshop and pitching programme tailored for people living, working and studying in Surrey to explore the business potential of their early-stage tech idea.
Participants receive practical guidance, expert mentoring, and structured support designed to help accelerate their ideas toward commercial viability.
Following the workshops, participants then pitch to a panel of startup experts and investors.
The standout innovators receive £25,000 of funding and a place on the six-month SVS Business Accelerator, giving founders the resources and momentum to take the next major steps in their ventures.
Ody Bassioukas, Surrey Venture Studio Manager, said: “It’s been incredibly energising to see just how much progress can happen in a matter of days, ideas gaining clarity, confidence building, and new pathways starting to take shape. There’s a real momentum in the room, and it’s been inspiring to witness how quickly concepts are evolving into something tangible. The quality and originality of the ideas coming through have been exceptional, and this feels like just the beginning. I’m excited to see how these ventures continue to grow and where the next stages take them.”
Surrey Venture Studio’s first cohort
The inaugural round saw a remarkably diverse and energetic group of innovators whose ideas spanned multiple disciplines and sectors.
More than 30 early-stage innovators took part in the process at University of Creative Arts, Royal Holloway, University of London and University of Surrey.
Participants had access throughout the workshops to seasoned mentors from across the start-up ecosystem, receiving invaluable insight, challenge, and encouragement.
Elizabeth Baldwin, Founder of Puzzle Proof – a digital, evidence-based, management system for domestic abuse survivors – said: “It’s thrilling to feel like other people see value in this [Puzzle Proof]. I know this problem exists, and I have the opportunity to solve it. I was nearly at the point of thinking, ‘Am I going to take this further? Is this worth pursuing?’ Surrey Venture Studios has given me that push, saying, ‘Yes, this is worth doing. Let’s make this dream a reality.’ I encourage others to take that same leap.”
Iain Jamieson, Chairman S100 Angel Investment Club, said: “I was delighted to be asked to be a judge at the Surrey Ventures Studio workshop for start-ups, where some very exciting new business ideas were showcased. The event was expertly organised and is exactly the kind of support that is needed to provide nascent entrepreneurs with the ecosystem to succeed. I hope to see many of the participants seeking funding through the S100 angel investment club in the years to come.”
Looking Ahead: Round Two Now Open
Apply for Surrey Venture Studio round two until 8 May. Workshops are taking place in June at locations across Surrey.
Aspirational entrepreneurs and innovators working or studying in Surrey are encouraged to take advantage of this transformative opportunity
Want to find out more about SVS’s Summer Cohort?
- Apply directly via the Surrey Venture Studio application form.
- Sign up to the webinar on April 21 to learn more about the scheme
- Ask the Surrey Venture Studio project team questions directly by getting in touch.
You can also sign up for the Surrey Venture Studio newsletter to be kept informed of further rounds.
For full details and terms and conditions visit the Surrey Venture Studio page on our website.
