Are you managing an ambitious early-stage innovation-led business?

Then it’s time to apply for Catalyst, Southampton Science Park’s flagship business accelerator. Applications close on 30 June for the 18-week programme beginning on 28 September 2026, so don’t delay!

Catalyst gives business founders the practical support, expert guidance and valuable connections to help turn promising ideas into strong, investment-ready businesses. The programme is fully funded, so there is no cost and no equity taken from successful applicants.

You’ll need to commit to spending one day each week at the Science Park. Here, you’ll benefit from in-person workshops and a one-to-one mentoring session aimed at driving fast-track growth. You will build all the foundational 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 appropriate financial and legal footings to raise investment.

On completion, you’ll automatically join the Catalyst Alumni Network, a community of more than 100 business founders who have taken part in the programme over the past decade. Here, members continue to learn from one another and build relationships in a highly experienced and supportive peer network. Alumni companies include game-changing businesses like AccelerComm, Audioscenic, Data Revival, Labl.It, Mytender.io, Renovos, TrouDigital, You Seq, Utonomy and Vape Guardian, to name just a few.

To benefit from this proven business support package, you must apply using this online form before 30 June. If you are shortlisted, you will then be invited to come to the Science Park to meet the Catalyst team and explain your business proposition in more detail. Pitch days are scheduled for 23 and 24 July.

Not sure if it's for you? This is what recent participants said about their Catalyst experience:

• “This has been the best course I have been involved in and will provide the most impact on our business.”
• “Catalyst is a gamechanger for businesses seeking to build a strong company around an idea they are passionate about.”
• “Our Catalyst 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."
• “With the advice I received, I was able to create a business that meant we were presented with opportunities we hadn’t had before.”

Catalyst is delivered 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.