Start-up Programme
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InnovationRCA’s high-growth start-up incubation programme featuring our unique design-led and user-centred methodologies, and widely recognised for its impressive track record of success.
Key dates for 2024/25
Applications open: TBC 2025
Application deadline: TBC Summer 2025
Launchpad: TBC Summer 2025
Applications will open in summer 2025
Early stage start-ups accepted into the InnovationRCA Start-up Programme receive pre-seed funding, introduction to Design & Impact Fund Managers, business mentoring, access to workshops and office space at InnovationRCA in the Rausing Research Building, Battersea South.
Start-up incubation
Standard offer
Our standard offer includes:
- £10,000–100,000 investment from the RCA and/or Design & Impact Fund
- Business plan and product coaching
- Masterclasses tailored to plug gaps in your knowledge and equip you with skills to grow your start-up
- Introductions to our industry networks and partners including accountants and lawyers
- Great publicity and PR opportunities
- Office space at InnovationRCA and continued access to RCA workshops
- Access to tools, contract templates and manufacturing database
Entry requirements
- RCA student, graduating this year
- RCA graduate
- RCA staff
- RCA former staff
Terms
The RCA gets a small share in your start-up, depending on the amount invested and the market your company addresses. You will need to sign:
- A simple shareholders agreement which will work with any future investors
- A simple service agreement
In addition to our standard offer of seed funds, business mentoring, office space in the InnovationRCA incubator and access to the RCA workshops, successful applicants are also introduced to investors.
IRCA Enterprise Ltd's Design & Impact S/EIS Fund
A new Design & Impact S/EIS Fund to back RCA start-ups, spinouts and alumni managed by Infinity Asset Management LLP.
Ask a question
Get in touch if you have any questions about working with InnovationRCA.
innovation@rca.ac.uk
