Start-up Programme

Key dates for 2024/25

• Launch event: 11 June 2025, 1-2pm
• Application deadline: 7 July 2025, midday
• Summer Launchpad Entrepreneurship Bootcamp: Tuesday 15 - Friday 18 July
• Pitch Week: Monday 21 - Wednesday 23 July

Applications are now open

Early stage start-ups accepted into the InnovationRCA Start-up Programme receive pre-seed funding, introduction to Design & Innovation Fund Managers, business mentoring, access to workshops and office space at InnovationRCA in the Rausing Research Building, Battersea South.

Our standard offer includes:

• 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 and library
• Access to potential investment from the RCA Design & Innovation S/EIS Fund I, a fund dedicated to investing in companies founded or co-founded by RCA graduates

• RCA student, graduating this year
• RCA graduate
• RCA staff
• RCA former staff

The RCA gets a very 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.

A new Design & Innovation S/EIS Fund to back RCA start-ups, spinouts and alumni managed by Infinity Asset Management LLP.