What is it?
This Startup Bootcamp is an intensive 2 days, designed to equip you with the skills and resources required to go from idea to launch and to build a viable and sustainable new business. The Bootcamp takes place in-person, on the Penryn Campus and is packed with valuable workshops, activities and opportunities for networking and collaboration.
You will have opportunity to work with other like-minded people, to explore topics such as problem solving, business models, how to make money, testing your business idea and pitching skills. You will end the Bootcamp more confident in being able to articulate your start-up idea to others, equipped with new skills and experience and with a clear plan of next steps on your start-up journey.
- Got a startup idea already? Great! We will support you in bringing it to life.
- Not got an idea yet? No problem, we will run some idea generation activities on day 1 to help you come up with an idea, or you can join a team.
Who can apply?
The Startup Bootcamp is open to all University of Exeter and Falmouth University students from all disciplines, and recent graduates (up to 2 years out of university).
Dates and Deadlines
The next Bootcamp will take place in April 2026.
Nominations for the 2026 Student Entrepreneurship Awards are now open!
Please submit your entry below to be considered for a Student Entrepreneurship Award. You can enter for no more than two award categories.
Categories:
- Social Impact
- Environment & Sustainability
- Health & Wellbeing
- Tech Innovation
- Product Innovation
In order to enter for an award, you must have taken part in the Student Startups Programme during this academic year (Autumn Term 2025 or Spring Term 2026).
Nominations close on Sunday 3rd May. Nominations will be shortlisted by the Student Startups team and winners will be selected by an external panel. Shortlisted candidates will be notified by Friday 15th May.
All awards will be presented at the in-person Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 3rd June 4-7pm. Winners will receive a trophy and a £50 cash prize.
>> Submit your nomination here
The 2026 awards event will feature a student business expo in the the Innovation Centre café, showcasing a range of successful student and graduate businesses.
If you are a student or graduate with a business you would like to showcase with a stand at the expo, please email studentstartups@exeter.ac.uk with a brief description of your business and what you will showcase on your stand. This could include a product or prototype, tech demo, marketing materials, or interactive activity relating to your venture.
Showcasing at the expo is a great opportunity to share your business with students, staff and external guests, collect feedback, gain contacts and add valuable experience for your CV!