The new programme – which is now accepting applications – will see up to 100 aspiring student entrepreneurs invited to join a six-week, internationally recognised accelerator programme delivered by Canopy Community, designed to develop innovative businesses and prepare participants for real-world success.

Throughout the six week programme, founders will be guided on how to identify and strengthen their best ideas, validate concepts through customer insight and create pitch decks and early stage assets. The students will also have the opportunity to hone their presentation skills through pitch practice and investor readiness sessions.

The Student Startup Accelerator will culminate in a Pitch Day on Friday 17th April 2026, where 10 selected finalists will have the opportunity pitch their businesses on a national stage to a panel of expert judges, investors and industry leaders.

Celebrated entrepreneur, Simon Squibb will form part of the judging panel, and will help to discover and champion the UK’s next generation of startup founders.

Applications to take part in the Student Startup Accelerator programme are open until Sunday 4th January 2026.

Josh Rathour, Founder of UNiDAYS said: “The next generation of entrepreneurs are determined, creative and ambitious. It’s hugely important that we give this talent the opportunity to thrive, which is why UNiDAYS is launching this new accelerator – to empower young people to play an active role in the UK’s growing startup ecosystem. There’s nothing more inspiring than seeing new ideas take shape, and I’m looking forward to learning more about the ventures being developed by students and graduates from across the UK.”

Liam Jeffery at Student Venture said: “Hosting this event is especially meaningful to me. Having started this journey building StudentVenture whilst at University, being able to reinvest back and give the next generation the medium to turn ideas into reality is super important to our mission, and is vital to both the future of young people and the UK's startup ecosystem.”

Stewart Noakes at Canopy Community said: “Opening the door to entrepreneurship shouldn’t depend on your background, your network or your bank balance. Everyone deserves a world where there are zero barriers to starting something bold – and that begins with giving students the confidence to back themselves early. At Canopy Community we see, every day, how transformative it is when founders get the right validation, the right peers, and the right support at the moment their ideas first spark. This accelerator gives students across the UK the chance to shape their own path, build real customers, and create a future that reflects their ambition. I can’t wait to meet the founders who decide to start their journey now, not ‘one day’ – because their ideas genuinely have the power to shift what comes next.”

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