Applicant Breakdown: Who Applied to the Student Startup Accelerator?

The Student Startup Accelerator is an intensive programme built to help founders move from idea to execution at speed. Powered by UNiDAYS, StudentVenture, and Canopy Community.

The 2026 intake provides a clear picture of how student entrepreneurship is evolving across the UK. Applications came from 80 universities and nearly every academic discipline.

Founder talent is no longer concentrated in business schools or specialist tech departments. It is distributed, interdisciplinary, and increasingly driven by domain expertise.

The data shows three patterns. First, commercial and technical degrees still produce the largest share of founders. Second, creative and social science disciplines are rising fast, feeding consumer, community, and mission-led startups. Third, high-potential founders are emerging nationwide rather than from a small group of institutions.

Fields of Study

Field of Study	% of Applicants
Business & Economics	30.7%
Computer Science	13.0%
Engineering	11.7%
Sciences	8.2%
Creative Arts	6.9%
Psychology	5.6%
Marketing	4.3%
Law	4.3%
Medicine	3.0%
Entrepreneurship	2.2%
Education	1.7%
Architecture & Construction	1.7%
Languages	0.9%
Geography	0.9%

Business & Economics accounts for nearly one-third of all applicants, making it the single largest source of founders.

Computer Science and Engineering together represent almost a quarter of the pool. This concentration explains the volume of software products, AI tools, platforms, and deep-tech concepts entering the accelerator.

Sciences, Creative Arts, and Psychology form a substantial middle tier. These backgrounds often generate problem-first startups: mental health platforms, sustainability solutions, consumer brands, and design-led products.

The conclusion is direct: entrepreneurship is no longer confined to traditional business or tech pathways. Capability is spreading across disciplines.

Regional Distribution

Location	% of Applicants
England	52.4%
London	39.8%
Scotland	4.3%
Northern Ireland	2.8%
Wales	0.9%

London represents the largest single cluster. The capital’s density is structural: proximity to investors, accelerators, mentors, and early adopters lowers the barrier to starting.

However, geography does not dictate quality. Strong applications emerged from Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales despite smaller populations. Several Top 100 founders came from outside traditional startup hubs, proving that access and exposure, not ability, remain the primary constraints.

Standout Universities

University	Highlight
City St George’s University of London	21 startups selected (largest contributor)
University of Sussex	79% success rate (11 of 14 applicants)
University of Derby	Strength in creative consumer goods
UEA	Leadership in sustainability ventures
Brunel, Manchester, UWE Bristol	High-performing independent founders

The next generation of UK startups will be built by engineers, artists, psychologists, medics, and economists working side by side. The 2026 accelerator reflects that reality.

What Happens Next

The accelerator now moves into execution. Over the coming weeks, the Top 100 founders will refine their ideas, test real customers, build lean products, and strengthen their pitches.

From this group, only 10 startups will advance to the final stage.

On 17 April 2026, those finalists will pitch live at Revolut HQ in London in front of Simon Squibb, experienced founders, angel investors, and venture capital partners. The session is designed for real outcomes: investment, partnerships, and long-term backing.

Investors and ecosystem partners seeking early access to high-quality, student-led startups can contact the StudentVenture team to participate in the event and connect directly with the finalists.