Accelerator and pre-accelerator programmes

Zuas delivers short accelerator and pre-accelerator programmes for individuals and teams who are looking to progress specific opportunities – and for universities, faculties and departments who are looking to maximise impact from a portfolio of projects and associated activity.

Our programmes are flexible. We can structure these to fit around the teaching and research commitments that people have, so they don’t have to take extended breaks from teaching and other activities in order to participate. Alternatively, we can provide training and mentoring support over a longer period, in fellowship-type programmes.

Programmes can be delivered face-to-face or virtually.

Why Zuas?

The Zuas team bring approaches, tools and conceptual models from design, business, marketing and entrepreneurship, and a wealth of innovation experience across different sectors and industries to engage participants in practical and highly interactive workshops.

We have a track record of successfully delivering accelerator and pre-accelerator programmes, and have also built stand-alone accelerator programmes for other partners.

If you would like to explore how Zuas can create and deliver an acceleration programme for you, please contact us.

We customise these programmes as required. Typical formats include:

Pre-accelerator programme

Duration: four weeks

Four one-day sessions, delivered face-to-face, or eight half-day sessions delivered virtually.

One-to-one sessions with participants.

Participants work to explore, validate and build their opportunity. The strongest of these can move forward into a formal accelerator or fellowship programme, or be taken forward independently by the PI and their team.

Accelerator

Duration: four months

Interactive workshops to explore and build the opportunity.

Engagement with potential customers and partners to validate the potential.

Hands-on support to clarify the business model, build the business plan and pitch to investors.

Training in all facets of establishing and running a business.

Participants will have built and validated a business concept, and be ready to pitch for the funding necessary for start-up.

Fellowship programme

Duration: one year

Interactive workshops to explore and build the opportunity.

Extensive engagement with potential customers and partners to validate the potential.

Hands-on support to clarify the business model, build the business plan and pitch to investors.

Product and service prototyping.

Training in all facets of establishing and running a business.

Participants will have built and validated a business concept, and pitched for the funding necessary for start-up by the end of their Fellowship.

What people are saying about our accelerators

 

“The pitching phase was particularly useful. It consolidated ideas and allowed me to ensure my ideas were succinct.”

“The balance between lecture and group work – it’s timed perfectly.”

“Friendly, useful, encouraging atmosphere. Broke down business concepts into manageable pieces.”

“We made more progress in four days than we had in the previous nine months on our project.”