Business accelerator for innovative SMEs

The Exeter Innovation Accelerator supports founders of knowledge-intensive start-ups and SMEs developing innovative products or services with the potential to scale. 

Your venture may be a good fit if: 

• You are developing an innovative product or service with a clearly identified market need. 
• Your innovation is rooted in science, technology, engineering, mathematics or medicine, or applies technology, research or specialist knowledge in a new market or in a new way. 
• Your business has the potential to scale beyond its current customers, team or location. 
• You can demonstrate a credible market opportunity and explain what makes your approach different, innovative, or disruptive. 
• Your founding team has the time, authority and commitment to engage with the programme. 
• You can explain why the Accelerator is appropriate for your current stage and what support you need. 

Applications are assessed individually. We will consider your venture’s innovation, market opportunity, growth potential, current evidence, team capacity and readiness for the programme. 

There are 3 Pathways: 

Different pathways are available depending on your needs, stage and readiness. You do not need to be seeking investment to apply for Modules 1 and 2. Applicants interested in Module 3 will be asked to provide additional evidence of their investment readiness. 

• £1,000 +VAT for Modules 1+2 
• £1,400 +VAT for Modules 1+2+3 
• £600 + VAT for Module 3 fast track 

If you are a University of Exeter academic, student, or Alumni - or if you are a current Exeter Science Park resident business - your fees are covered by those partners. 

We welcome applications from all eligible ventures and particularly encourage applications from founders who are underrepresented in entrepreneurship. 

Not sure whether your venture is a good fit? Get in touch to email the Exeter Innovation Accelerator team.

Ready to apply? Apply now using our online application form.

Membership combines a structured programme of workshops and seminars with ongoing one-to-one business support. The support available will depend on the modules completed. During their time on the programme, participants can access: 

• Six two-hour taught sessions for each module. 
• Relevant slides, resources and recordings or transcripts, where available. 
• Up to two hours of Entrepreneur in Residence support per business each month during the core programme covering Modules 1 and 2. 
• Specialist guidance in areas such as commercial law, intellectual property, finance, insurance, risk and grant funding. 
• Access to The Hive co-working space at Exeter Science Park, subject to its access terms and site rules. 
• Relevant peer-learning, networking and Exeter Innovation events. 
• A Business Spotlight post on the Exeter Innovation Accelerator LinkedIn page. 
• A digital completion badge after successfully completing the programme. 

Participants completing Module 3 can also access investment-readiness teaching and may be considered for relevant investor events or introductions. Module 3 participation does not guarantee access to an investment showcase, an investor introduction or investment. 

Alumni Membership 

Basic alumni membership 

Basic alumni membership is free and includes: 

• Invitations to Summit Days each year, bringing together current participants, alumni and future cohorts. 
• A digital alumni badge to recognise continued membership of the Exeter Innovation Accelerator community. 

Enhanced alumni membership 

Enhanced alumni membership is available for £400 +VAT per year and includes the benefits of basic membership, together with: 

• Continued access to The Hive co-working space at Exeter Science Park, subject to its access terms and site rules. 
• Monthly Founders Exchange sessions for networking and peer problem-solving. 
• Access to specialist workshops each year. Workshops may carry an additional charge. 
• Needs-led mentor matching, subject to suitability, capacity and applicable terms. 
• Access to relevant sector-specific alumni networking groups, including WhatsApp groups where available. 

The schedule and availability of alumni activities may vary according to demand, capacity and available funding. 

Our Entrepreneurs in Residence are experienced founders who have built, scaled and, in some cases, exited successful businesses. 

Through monthly one-to-one conversations, they act as practical sounding boards for members, helping founders test decisions, identify priorities and avoid common growth mistakes. 

Their experience includes business and market strategy, customer acquisition, brand development, product growth, investment, leadership, operations, manufacturing and procurement. They can also introduce members to relevant expertise and networks where this will support progress. 

Early-stage businesses often need specialist advice before they are ready to appoint permanent professional advisers. 

Our Advisors in Residence provide practical guidance in areas including commercial contracts, corporate governance, intellectual property, accounting, tax, research and development tax relief, grant funding, and SEIS/EIS. 

This support helps founders understand their obligations, identify risks and make informed decisions at the right stage of business growth. 

Our current advisers work with respected professional firms and specialist organisations across the South West. 

As a venture develops, decisions about its business model, market position, governance, funding and growth priorities become increasingly connected. 

Our Strategist in Residence helps founders bring these elements together into a clear, evidence-based business growth strategy. 

Support can include commercial planning, governance, investment readiness, stakeholder positioning and translating long-term ambitions into practical priorities and actions.