UoB Elevate at The Exchange

Through joining this selective incubator, you could...

• Be part of a cohort of growth businesses
• Build your venture from a collaborative founder, incubator space within the iconic Exchange building
• Receive dedicated support and guidance to help you grow your business
• Gain support from our entrepreneurial alumni network
• Access regional business support schemes
• Access our alumni mentoring scheme
• Obtain support from student interns
• Access funding schemes and investor networks
• Get special offers and discounts from business service providers

UoB Elevate is open to University of Birmingham students and graduates from all disciplines. If you are a freelancer, start up or social venture, we want to hear from you.

You need to have...

• Traction or high-potential ideas
• Majority UoB founder ownership
• Commitment to building your venture

The smallprint

• International student/graduate founders are subject to having the correct visa in place before trading can commence.
• Student founders must have successfully completed their first year of their programme and currently be at least in the second year of their studies. 
• For current students, Elevate can be considered in lieu of a placement or as a sabbatical year but only in agreement with your programme lead and prior approval from the School/College.
• Graduate founders who completed their degree in the last 5 years are also eligible to apply.  Graduates who completed their degree more than five years ago will be considered on an exceptional basis.

Elevate founders can access funding opportunities, startup grants and investor connections to help accelerate growth.

Already hunting for funding? There is the opportunity to apply for pre-accelerator funding to help your business. Visit our Start-Up Fund webpage to find out if you are eligible to claim £500 for your existing start-up costs.

We have empowered over 100 businesses to date through our multifaceted 12-month programme and supportive community of founders. From social enterprises to technology start ups, from charities to food companies, you will find something for every kind of entrepreneur at Elevate. 

calico

Find out how Elevate supports Social Enterprises

Knowness

Find out how Elevate supports Technology start-ups

Social Media Resilience

Find out how Elevate supports change making organisations

The Gluten Free Zone

Find out how Elevate supports product based businesses.

Samoco

Find out how Elevate supports medical-technology start ups

Emotion Dysregulation Autism

Find out how Elevate supports charities

You can learn more about our current resident start-ups on the UoB Elevate business webpage.

Every year we select a cohort of ambitious entrepreneurs to joing Elevate at the Exchange.

If you have a high potential idea, we want to hear from you.

Cohort 6 applications are now open. They will close Sunday 21 June, 23:59.

Interviews will take place from Monday 13 July - Friday 24 July - final dates and times are to be confirmed.

There are two parts to the application process. You will need to complete an online application form (including a 1-2 minute video about your idea). If successful, you will be invited to pitch your idea to an independent panel.