StudentVenture Launches UK Student Startup Accelerator with UNiDAYS & Simon Squibb

We’re excited to announce that StudentVenture has partnered with UNiDAYS, Canopy Community, and renowned entrepreneur Simon Squibb to launch one of the largest student entrepreneurship initiatives in the UK.

Together, we’re on a mission to discover, support, and accelerate the next generation of student founders - helping innovative ideas grow into thriving startups.

Through our partnership with UNiDAYS, the programme will be promoted to millions of students across the UK, providing unparalleled access and visibility for emerging entrepreneurs. From this outreach, 100 aspiring founders will be selected to join a six-week accelerator programme delivered by Canopy Community.

During the accelerator, students will gain hands-on experience in:

• Refining their business ideas and validating them through customer insight.

• Building compelling pitch decks and early-stage assets.

• Developing the skills and confidence to present to investors and industry leaders.

The journey will culminate in an exciting Pitch Day on Friday, 17th April 2026, where 10 standout startups will take the stage to pitch in front of a prestigious panel of judges, venture capitalists, mentors, and Simon Squibb himself. This is a unique opportunity for young entrepreneurs to secure investment, mentorship, and real-world exposure to help scale their businesses.

At StudentVenture, we’re passionate about empowering the next generation of innovators. This initiative marks a major step forward in bridging the gap between student potential and entrepreneurial success - and we can’t wait to see what ideas come to life.

Applications for the Student Startup Accelerator are open until Sunday, 4th January 2026.