Lab to Launch: startup exploration
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.
Join University startup experts for a one-day exploration of your startup potential, and take a step from lab to launch.
Lab to Launch: 2026 dates
Applications are now open for Future Worlds Lab to Launch 2026
Future Worlds, the tech startup accelerator at the University of Southampton, exists to support students and researchers to launch and scale tech startups.
Lab to Launch is the event that launches the startup journey of many of the founders we work alongside, and is open to:
> Students, staff and graduates from the University of Southampton
> Researchers in AI and Silicon Photonics at any UK university or research institution
For some, Lab to Launch will be an inspiring experience that introduces them to startup fundamentals and a vibrant startup community. You'll leave the day having begun to understand the commercial viability of your startup idea/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, culminating with a pitch at Future Worlds Demo Day in June 2027.
Future Worlds doesn't charge fees or equity; you can access Future Worlds' support - including Lab to Launch and Cohort - at no cost.
Our support for AI researchers is provided as part of AIR, an industry-first collaboration between RAi UK, UCL-CDI and Future Worlds, funded by UKRI.
Our support for Silicon Photonics researchers is provided through a partnership between CORNERSTONE, C-PIC and Future Worlds, funded by EPSRC.
Designed for ambitious students and researchers
Lab to Launch is for you if:
You are a University of Southampton researcher and think your technology could become a startup or spinout
You are a researcher at any UK university or research institute and are working on AI or Silicon Photonics research with commercial potential
Or, you're a Southampton student or graduate working on something that you think could become a scaleable tech startup
You are, or would be, the founder (or co-founder) of the 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. As well as supporting founders at the University of Southampton, we work with commercially curious AI and Silicon Photonics researchers across the UK.
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.
What you'll get from Lab to Launch
Introductions to university researchers students who are commercially curious
Insight into what it takes to launch a startup from a university
Hear from those who have launched incredible startups from university labs
An understanding of what you need to do next to progress your startup/spinout
An introduction to the support available for founders from Future Worlds and the startup ecosystem
Meet the Future Worlds team
Ben Clark
Serial startup leader,
now Future Worlds Director
Dr Alice Iles
Head of Tech Acceleration,
Future Worlds
Grace Burton
Head of Engagement,
Future Worlds
"... intensive and engaging, filled with tangible support and diverse people interested in startups"
Samuel Aaron, mytender.io | FW Cohort 25
An amazing, transformational experience where I learned from inspiring founders and gained the confidence to apply for the Future Worlds Cohort.
Dr Eirini Kateri, Zenicam | FW Cohort 24
Frequently asked Questions
Applications are now open for Lab to Launch
What time will Lab to Launch run?
We will confirm exact timings for each city closer to the dates, but we expect for the days to run from approximately 9:30 – 16:30.
Can I come to any of these dates? How many should I apply to?
The Lab to Launch content will be the same in each city, so you don’t need to attend more than one of these events. Please apply to your preferred city/date.
If you have a second preference city/date you would like to be considered for should your first choice be full, please email [email protected] to ask for your application to be carried across.
How likely am I to be offered a place on Lab to Launch?
We can’t say for certain as our offer rate depends on how many applications we receive, but it’s very likely that if you're eligible to join us, working on a tech startup idea, and complete the application form as directed, we will be able to offer you a place.
Can my travel my costs be covered by Future Worlds?
We may be able to support reasonable travel costs to enable you to join a Lab to Launch. Please email [email protected] to discuss.
I don’t have a startup idea yet, can I join?
For Lab to Launch to be useful to you, you need to be working on something that you think has commercial potential. We’ll ask you questions about your idea/technology when applying, so you won’t be able to complete the application form if you don’t yet have a startup idea.
How many people from my team can join?
One, but we may be able to accommodate one extra person from your team if space allows.
Once you have been offered your Lab to Launch space, please email [email protected] to discuss if we can invite your colleague too.
When will I find out if I have a space?
The form for each date closes at the 9am on the dates listed below.
Southampton 4 November event - Closing date Monday 26 October
London 9 November event - Closing date Thursday 5 November
Glasgow 26 November event - Closing date Thursday 19 November
Cardiff 2 December event - Closing date Wednesday 25 November
Southampton 5 December event - Closing date Friday 27 November
Please hold the date of the event in your diary when you apply, and we’ll confirm as quickly as possible after the application form has closed – likely the following day.
Can I join online?
No, this is an in-person event. We can offer online startup support separate to Lab to Launch; join our mailing list here to find out more.