Catalyst Summer Accelerator Programme

The 2020 Catalyst Summer Accelerator Programme at Oxford Brookes University is a launch pad for student, graduate and staff start-ups.

The program is by application only. The Catalyst Accelerator is based in the Oxford Brookes University Innovation Hub, which opened its doors in September 2018.

Over a period of eight weeks in the summer, participant teams work intensively on their start-up ideas, following a specialised ‘purposeful business’ curriculum presented to them during a 2-day intensive boot camp. The teams also attend meetings and workshops, and receive valuable mentorship and advising through a network of Oxford Brookes University Faculty, staff, seasoned entrepreneurs and technology experts, all with the goal of learning how to develop their start-up ideas into viable, scalable ventures.

Prior to the inception of the programme, teams selected for the Catalyst Accelerator meet with an Enterprise Support Advisor to discuss their key project milestones, deliverables, and formalised plan of action. During the summer under the tutelage of their mentors and faculty advisors, teams work to achieve the milestones. At closure of the summer programme, the candidates participate in Demo Day, where they share their plans with investors, inventors, experts and others from the entrepreneurial community.

Post Catalyst Incubator

Start-ups participating in the Catalyst Summer Accelerator are also highly encouraged to continue working in the Oxford Brookes Innovation Hub throughout the academic year. In the Incubator, they will continue to receive support and guidance from mentors and advisors as well as collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs.

Programme benefits

• workspace in the Oxford Brookes Innovation Hub for the duration of the summer programme
• assignment of experienced mentors in their field
• a series of targeted workshops and online learning open exclusively to Catalyst participants
• networking opportunities with entrepreneurs, legal and accounting services, investors.

Apply for Catalyst now »

Requirements and additional information

• open only to Oxford Brookes University students, recent graduates and staff
• both for-profit and not-for-profit ventures are eligible
• suggested team size: minimum of two and a maximum of four. Talk to us if you do not meet this requirement
• all team members must be included on the application. No late additions without prior written permission from the Brookes Enterprise Team
• all team members are expected to commit to the full 8 week programme and demo day
• all candidates must meet with a Business Enterprise Advisor prior to committing to the programme
• teams are responsible for making their own travel and accommodation arrangements; in addition to what is provided by the Catalyst programme.