Entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity run through the heart of the Imperial experience for many of our students. We know there are plenty of trail-blazers, ground-breakers and idea-sparkers within our alumni community too, and we're pleased to offer a range of services to support you as you build from idea, to start-up, to thriving business. We can also help you share your experience with those just at the beginning of their entrepreneurial journeys.
** New opportunity just added **
Join us in empowering Commonwealth startups
Are you ready to make an impact? The Imperial Commonwealth Startup Fellowship, in partnership with the Commonwealth Scholarship Committee and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, is now accepting applications! This six-month programme is designed to support innovative startups from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries to scale their businesses and create sustainable impact. Whether you’re an aspiring founder or an experienced professional, there’s an opportunity for you to get involved:
Are you a startup founder?
If you’re leading a high-potential business that registered in an eligible Commonwealth country and looking for mentorship, funding, and global connections, apply now to join this transformative programme. With a 2-week fully funded residential in Accra, Ghana and a Capstone in London! Apply here by 15 February
Are you a seasoned mentor or industry expert?
Your experience can help shape the future of these startups. We’re seeking mentors and advisors with expertise in venture creation, investment, or industry leadership to guide these founders on their journey. Register your interest here.
Space to work
Alumni Visitor Centre, South Kensington
The Alumni Visitor Centre is open to all alumni, offering a space to work, relax and network. Facilities include:
- Free Wi-Fi and access to computers if needed
- Free tea, coffee, cold drinks and biscuits.
- Left-luggage facility
- Bookable meeting room for up to six people (note, not available on Wednesdays)
- Space can be booked out-of hours
Open 9.15 - 16.45, Monday to Friday. Find out more.
Enterprise Lab, South Kensington
The co-working and library space is open to all Imperial staff, students and alumni. Facilities include:
- Refresh station
- Bookable event or filming space
- 'The Green Room' quiet space
- Bookable meeting room
- Phone booth for confidential calls
- Access to the ELab Library
Open 10.00 - 19.00, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10.00 - 16.00 Tuesday and Friday. Find out more.
Incubation spaces
The White City Incubator is Imperial's innovation hub for deep science startups. Facilities include office space, laboratory space and support for early-stage companies focused on science and technology. Find out more.
Access to entrepreneurial programmes
Alumni are eligible to participate in Imperial's entrepreneurial competitions for up to three years after graduation:
- Venture Catalyst Challenge (Imperial's flagship competition with £20,000 for the winning team and seven £10,000 awards)
- WeInnovate (Championing women-led teams with shared prize fund of £30,000)
- Global Challenge Lab (join international teams and generate solutions to the world's most pressing challenges)
- Green Tech Legal Collaborative (supporting climate-positive and sustainability-focused startups)
- Venture Treks (chance to unlock new opportunities on a funded trip to a global startup hub)
- MedTech SuperConnector (empowering medical technology innovators to develop and scale impactful medical technologies)
- AI SuperConnector (supporting early career researchers to launch high-potential AI startups)
Community connections
Imperial Plexus
Join our free online alumni community, where you can connect, collaborate and discover a suite of online resources. Connect directly with alumni around the world, post jobs and opportunities and seek advice or support from your community.
Community Collider
Join Imperial Enterprise Lab’s monthly community get together where students from different departments and faculties across the college can come together, collide, and form interesting new pairings and connections!
Expert advice
Tap into the expertise of fellow Imperial founders and entrepreneurial experts:
- How To Masterclasses (learn the fundamentals of starting a business from experts in the field)
- Idea Surgeries (book an Idea Surgery for guidance in how to turn an idea into a business)
- Experts-in-Residence (subject-specific advice from more than 100 experts)
- Imperial Venture Mentoring Service (dedicated guidance to help turn your idea into a fully-fledged business)
Opportunities to invest or mentor
For those in a position to support the startups of the future, there are plenty of opportunities to stay engaged with Imperial's entrepreneurial community and pay it forward:
- Imperial Entrepreneur's Pledge (founders can pledge to make a philanthropic gift to Imperial in the future - when they reach an exit or other liquidity event - to support the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators)
- Imperial Investor Network (for angels and VC investors seeking investment opportunities arising from Imperial's extraordinary enterprising ecosystem)
- Imperial College Enterprise Funds (offering alumni and individual investors an opportunity to invest in companies through an early-stage, tax-efficient vehicle)
- Offer placements or internships, become a mentor or an expert speaker: email alumnivolunteering@imperial.ac.uk or register your interest online.