University of York

Enterprise Works, University of York

Information last verified: August 2026 · Source: york.ac.uk

Stage

Idea / pre-product, MVP / early product, Early revenue, Scaling

Location

Yorkshire & Humber

Equity

Mostly equity-free (spinouts may vary)

Cost

Free (most support)

Delivery

In-person

Any sectorHealth/Life SciencesCleantech

Idea / pre-productMVP / early productEarly revenueScaling

The University of York supports founders through Enterprise Works, its umbrella for enterprise and innovation on the Heslington campus. Its own support is broad and mostly free: advice, mentoring, workshops and networking through Enterprise Works Connect (open to regional entrepreneurs, not only University members), the Phase One incubator at The Catalyst for early digital, creative, tech and science startups and spinouts, funded student programmes including a Proof of Concept Fund, a paid Summer Accelerator and the Year in Enterprise scheme, York Venture One investment of £5,000 to £10,000, and commercialisation help for academic spinouts. On top of that, two major banks run programmes on campus: a Barclays Eagle Labs partnership offering coworking, banking experts, mentors and access to Eagle Labs across the UK, and a new NatWest Accelerator Hub at York Science Park (opened June 2026) running growth programmes, coaching and investor connections. It suits idea stage through to scaling across most sectors, with particular strength in bioscience and green chemistry.

Why this programme

Raise funding

York Venture One invests £5,000 to £10,000 to bridge to first-round funding, alongside a NatWest Accelerator Hub with investor connections

Access to mentors / operators

Mentoring, coaching and workshops through Enterprise Works, the NatWest Accelerator and Barclays Eagle Labs

Build product / validate MVP

The Phase One incubator plus student funds (Proof of Concept, Summer Accelerator) to test and build early ideas

Find customers / partnerships

Links to regional business networks, corporate partners and the University's research base

Community / workspace / ecosystem

Coworking at The Catalyst and the Guildhall, plus a large alumni network; York ranks among the UK's top places to start a company

Scale & grow

NatWest Accelerator growth tracks in sales, funding and leadership, plus spinout commercialisation support for scaling ventures

Interested in the University of York?

Head to Enterprise Works for programmes, eligibility and how to get involved.

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