Future Founders

Empowering the next generation of changemakers

The Future Founders Talent Programme is a bold new initiative launched in partnership between Birmingham City University and the University of Birmingham, bringing together forty exceptional students from both institutions. This programme is designed to spark innovation, foster collaboration, and inspire entrepreneurial solutions to some of society’s most pressing challenges.

Student smiling as he listens to a presentation

What is Future Founders?

Future Founders goes beyond traditional entrepreneurship. It’s a dynamic, hands-on experience where students work in cross-university teams to develop practical, impactful ideas that promote equity, diversity, inclusion, and social mobility.

Set in Birmingham—a city renowned for its creativity, resilience, and diversity—this programme offers a unique opportunity to explore how innovation can drive meaningful change in communities locally and globally.

Your Challenge

Participants are invited to imagine and design entrepreneurial solutions that:

Break down barriers to opportunity
Rethink access to education, healthcare, and employment
Use technology to amplify underrepresented voices
Build inclusive workplaces and community initiatives

Whether you're passionate about social justice, tech innovation, or creative industries, this is your chance to make a real difference.

What to Expect

Over the coming months, you’ll gain:

Real-world experience in innovation and problem-solving
Mentorship from industry experts and academic leaders
Workshops to develop your ideas and refine your pitch
Collaboration with peers from diverse disciplines

The programme culminates in a final pitching competition in March 2026, where teams present their solutions to a panel of judges. Winning ideas may receive prizes—and more importantly, the chance to create lasting impact.

Events will take place:

Saturday 1 November 2025 - 10:00 - 15:00
Wednesday 5 November 2025 - 14:00 - 17:00
Week Commencing 10 November 2025 (Date TBC)
Saturday 22 November 2025 - 10:00 - 14:00
Saturday 28 February 2026 - 10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday 11 March 2026 - 14:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 25 March 2026 - 14:00 - 19:00

This is more than a competition. It’s a journey of growth, creativity, and purpose. As a Future Founder, you’ll be part of a community of thinkers and doers committed to shaping a fairer, more inclusive future.

The future starts with you.

Applications

Please ensure you apply no later than: 22:59, Sunday 19 October 2025.

You are required to submit an application video (of no more than 2 minutes) detailing:

Who you are
Why you want to be part of the future founder programme
How would you display your entrepreneurial skills within the programme (ensure you include reference to equity, diversity, inclusion and social mobility)

Your video needs to show us why you are the right person to do the programme.
Please ensure your video is uploaded in mp4 format, otherwise it will not be accepted.

Apply by completing this form