Ambitious entrepreneurs have just one week left to be in with a chance to benefit from one of the South’s leading business accelerators, Catalyst: applications close on 30 June for the next programme commencing 28 September 2026.
Catalyst gives the founders of early-stage businesses the practical support, expert guidance and valuable connections they need to help turn promising ideas into strong, investment-ready companies.
Successful applicants commit to spending one day each week at Southampton Science Park in Chilworth where they benefit from in-person workshops and one-to-one mentoring sessions aimed at driving fast-track growth. Over 18 weeks, they build the skills needed to grow with confidence – from shaping a clear offer and a robust business plan to identifying early customers and advocates, building a marketing and sales strategy, and establishing the financial and legal footings to raise investment.
Catalyst is fully funded, so successful applicants have nothing to pay and they retain all equity. It is delivered by Southampton Science Park in partnership with Health Innovation Wessex, the National Oceanography Centre and the University of Southampton’s School of Healthcare Enterprise and Innovation, with further support from Test Valley Borough Council through the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund and the SETsquared Partnership.
Recent participants have commented:
- “The best course I have been involved in and will provide the most impact on our business.”
- “A gamechanger for those seeking to build a strong company around an idea they are passionate about.”
- “Our mentor’s help was 100% spot on: I came with a gap in my knowledge and left with a complete business model.”
- “Catalyst helped me to channel in the right direction. I closed my funding round, achieving exactly what I’d asked for.”
- “The advice I received helped me create a business that presented new opportunities.”
On completion, participants automatically join the Catalyst Alumni Network, an exclusive peer network of business founders who have benefited from Catalyst: companies like AccelerComm, Audioscenic, Data Revival, Labl.It, Mytender.io, Renovos, TrouDigital, You Seq, Utonomy and Vape Guardian. Here, they continue to build relationships, address common challenges and learn from one another as they scale.
Founders who want to benefit from this proven support package should apply using the online form before 30 June. Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to pitch to the Catalyst team at Southampton Science Park on 23 or 24 July, giving them the chance to expand on their ideas.
