You could launch a SiPh startup
Join startup experts on 29-30 November 25 in Southampton for Future Worlds Bootcamp: an inspiring two-day exploration of your Silicon Photonics startup potential
applications close in:
Applications are now open for Future Worlds Bootcamp 2025
University is an incredible place from which to launch a startup.
Labs and lecture theatres are full of intelligent people who think differently, are passionate about technology, and want to make their mark.
Future Worlds, the tech startup accelerator at the University of Southampton, exists to support students and researchers to launch and scale tech startups. Future Worlds Bootcamp is the event that launches the startup journey of many of the founders we work alongside.
This year, in partnership with CORNERSTONE, we have a specialist Silicon Photonics stream at Future Worlds Bootcamp, open to SiPh startup founders from universities across the UK. This experience is fully-funded, and reasonable travel/accommodation costs will be covered for participants who are based outside of Southampton.
For some, Future Worlds Bootcamp will be an intense two-day experience that introduces them to startup fundamentals and a vibrant startup community. You'll leave the weekend having begun to understand the commercial viability of your research, and know if you'd like to grow your idea into a startup.
For others, this will be their launchpad into a life-changing programme: the Future Worlds Cohort. The Cohort is a six-month acceleration programme that takes a group of promising startup founders from idea to potential investment through a tried-and-tested approach, including training, mentoring and an immersion in the world of startups, including a trip to Silicon Valley and culminating with a pitch at Future Worlds Demo Day in June 2026.
Silicon Photonics founders on the Future Worlds Cohort will have the opportunity to apply for a wallet of up to £40k of equity-free funding, to accelerate the growth of their startup through access to specialist support such as prototyping, equipment, and expertise.
Designed for ambitious SiPh innovators
Future Worlds Bootcamp is for you if:
You are a university-based researcher working in the UK
You are working in silicon photonics or photonics integrated circuit development
You think your research could form the basis of a startup or spinout
What to expect from Future Worlds Bootcamp
Day One
Get to know each other
With 50+ attendees all interested in startups joining the Bootcamp weekend, we'll make sure you all meet each other
Meet your mentor
You'll be matched with a startup founder who will mentor a small group of you throughout the weekend
Start your Launch Canvas
This is our roadmap for the weekend; the fundamentals you need to launch a startup
Ask Me Anything
We'll end the day with an 'Ask me Anything' session with our founder mentors
Day Two
Refine your idea
You'll have time with your founder mentor to refine your Launch Canvas
Learn pitching basics
How do you convince people that your idea is incredible in just a few minutes? We'll share our tips
About the Cohort
Find out about the six-month Future Worlds Cohort acceleration programme so you can decide if it's right for you and your idea/research
Pitch your startup!
Want a spot on the Future Worlds Cohort? It's time to pitch!
And then...
Joining the Cohort?
If the Future Worlds Cohort looks like a good fit for you, we'll invite you to join the programme, starting in December 2025
You're in Future Worlds community
Get to know other researchers and students who are building startups
The startup support continues
Whether or not you join the Future Worlds Cohort, there's support available for those who want to progress their startup
What is Future Worlds?
Future Worlds is the tech startup accelerator at the University of Southampton.
We help people with startup ideas to grow scaleable startups with the potential to change the world.
With the help of expert mentors, founders who have been there and done it, and a powerful ecosystem of startup supporters we equip ambitious students and researchers with the skills and opportunities they need to think big and build incredible startups.
The founder-mentors supporting you at Bootcamp
Ashley Unitt
Founder of one of the UK’s most successful SaaS companies that was acquired for $350m
Tamara Ivancova
Founder of Amara Automotive and inventor of The Elecy, a Car eBike Hybrid
Anke Lohmann
Founder, AnchoredIn, and expert in translation of Silicon Photonics research
Stefan-Tudor Ilie
Silicon Photonics PhD, startup founder, product mentor
Sam Munday
Co-founder of Data Revival, a spinout from the University of Southampton
Til Jordan
Co-founder of bloctopus.io - raised $1m pre-seed
"The Future Worlds Bootcamp is intensive and engaging, filled with tangible support and diverse people interested in startups"
Samuel Aaron, mytender.io | FW Cohort 25
The Bootcamp was an amazing, transformational weekend where I learned from inspiring founders and gained the confidence to apply for the Future Worlds Cohort.
Dr Eirini Kateri, Zenicam | FW Cohort 24
Join us for lunch and to learn more about
the Future Worlds Cohort (and Bootcamp)
Still making up your mind about applying?
If you'd like to find out more about the Future Worlds Cohort, and meet some founders who have participated previously as well as the team behind Bootcamp and Cohort, join us in the Future Worlds Accelerator (University of Southampton, Highfield Campus) on Tuesday 28 October, 12:00 - 13:30.
This is a informal opportunity to get introduced to Future Worlds and ask any questions you have about the Bootcamp or Cohort, ahead of applying. We'd love to see you there.
Meet the Future Worlds Bootcamp team
Ben Clark
Serial startup leader, now Future Worlds Director
Dr Alice Iles
Head of Tech Acceleration
Grace Burton
Head of Engagement
Annette Daley
Tech Acceleration Manager for Silicon Photonics
Secure your space now
Applications are now open for Future Worlds Bootcamp 25
85% of applications to Bootcamp are successful. If you're eligible to join us, working on a tech startup idea, and complete application the form as directed, it's very likely that we'll be able to offer you a spot at Bootcamp.
We'll be reviewing applications on a weekly basis until 23 November 2025, when the application form will close.
We suggest that you submit your application as soon as you know you'd like to join us, so we can tell you that you've been accepted ASAP.