EXPLORE: Develop and Test Your Social Venture Idea
Got an idea that could tackle a social or environmental problem? Find out whether it works as a venture.
What it is
EXPLORE is a guided pathway for university founders with an early social venture idea. Over four sessions you’ll sharpen your concept with practical tools, test your assumptions through early conversations with stakeholders, and design a first pilot with real users. The most promising projects are awarded £1,000 towards early venture testing. ImpactU brings together universities across the UK to help mission-led ideas grow into sustainable companies.
How it runs
- Workshop 1, online: Understand the problem and the value you could create
- Workshop 2, online: Design your social venture model
- Workshop 3, online: Test the concept and plan your first pilot
- Presentation session, in person (regional): Present your venture and pilot plan to an expert panel for feedback and connections
After the programme
Ventures ready to test their concept can apply for pilot funding of up to £1,000 towards the costs of a first test. Full eligibility and the application process are shared during the programme. You’ll also join the ImpactU community of social entrepreneurs and university partners, with routes into further programmes, events and support.
Details
| When | Sunday 8 November 2026 |
| Where | Three online workshops and an in-person regional presentation session |
| Funding | Pilot funding of up to £1,000, applied for after the programme |
| Cost | Free |
| Who it's for | University researchers, students and recent graduates with an idea that addresses a social or environmental challenge |
| Organiser | ImpactU, with London Social Ventures |
Apply
Applications close Sunday 8 November 2026.
