Students as Entrepreneurs
Explore Ulster University’s Students as Entrepreneurs programme. From sparking ideas to scaling a business, gain skills, mentoring and confidence to succeed.
Start your journey as a student entrepreneur
Build practical skills to inspire change and lead with impact.
Want to create your own career? Whether you’ve got a clear idea or just a passion for solving problems, Students as Entrepreneurs is your chance to build something that matters—something that could pay your salary and put you in charge of your future.
This three-part journey supports you from your first idea to launching and growing your own venture. You’ll get the tools, guidance, and confidence to make it happen:
- The Ideas Lab – Create ideas that matter to you and the world around you.
- The Start-up Lab – Shape your bright idea into a brilliant, workable venture.
- The Scale-up Lab – Graduate with your own business and be your own boss.
Think It. Launch It. Scale It.
Information Webinars
Wednesday 1st October at 12pm - Register below:
https://app.joinhandshake.co.uk/edu/events/53985
Wednesday 19th November at 12pm - Register below:
http://app.joinhandshake.co.uk/edu/events/53992
The Ideas Lab
Creating Ideas that matter
Curious about creating something that matters? The Ideas Lab is designed for students who want to explore innovation, tackle real-world challenges, and spark ideas that could lead to a start-up or freelance career. You don’t need a business idea to join—just an open mind and a drive to make a difference. Through creative workshops, problem-solving sessions, and expert guidance, you’ll learn how to spot opportunities and turn them into something powerful.
Start with curiosity - apply now and find out where your idea takes you!
Timeline
- Applications Open: 15 September 2025
- Applications Close: 21 November 2025
- Programme Starts: 26 November 2025
- Programme Ends: 4 February 2026
The Start-Up Lab
From bright idea to brilliant business!
Got a game-changing idea but not sure where to start? This programme is your launchpad. Designed for students with fresh, innovative thinking, we’ll help you shape your idea, test its potential, and get it ready to roll as a real business. Whether it’s a spark of genius or a researched concept, we’ll give you the tools, support, and confidence to take the first big step into start-up life.
Let’s turn your idea into something amazing—apply now for start-up success!
Timeline
- Applications Open: 17 November 2025 (Global Entrepreneurship Week)
- Applications Close: 12 January 2026
- Programme Starts: 4 February 2026
- Programme Ends: 20 March 2026
The Scale-Up Lab
Graduate with your business!
Running a business while completing your final year? We see you. This programme is built for student entrepreneurs who are already trading and ready to take things up a notch. Whether you're running a business or freelancing, we’ll help you scale up, build a sustainable income, and get your business graduation-ready—so you can walk off campus and straight into full-time self-employment.
Ready to level up your business? Apply now and let’s grow your venture
Timeline
- Registration Opens: 15 September 2025
- Registration Closes: 28 November 2025
- Book 1:1 appointments from 22 September 2025
- Programme Ends: 29 May 2026
Programme Workshops and Key Dates
Workshop 1 – In person
- Derry~Londonderry – Wednesday 26 November
- Coleraine – Thursday 27 November
- Belfast – Friday 28 November
Workshop 2 – Virtual
- Wednesday 10 December – 11am -12.30pm
Workshop 3 – In person
- Derry~Londonderry– Wednesday 4 February 26
- Coleraine– Thursday 5 February 26
- Belfast – Friday 6 February 26
Workshop 1 – In person
- Derry~Londonderry – Wednesday 4 February
- Coleraine – Thursday 5 February
- Belfast – Friday 6 February
Workshop 2 – Virtual
- Wednesday 18 February – 11am -12.30pm
Workshop 3 – In person
- Derry~Londonderry– Wednesday 18 March 26
- Coleraine– Thursday 19 March 26
- Belfast – Friday 20 March 26
One to One Mentoring – Throughout the academic year - Book Here (Select Scale Up Mentoring)
Sustain and Scale Events (Friday 5th and Friday 12th December 2025)
Attend a half-day business event, to include empowering sessions that have practical learning applications on sustaining and scaling your business in preparation for full time self-employment after graduation.
Meet Guest Entrepreneurs and NI Business Support partners to grow your network and develop your business further, leading to graduate entrepreneurial success.
Friday 5 December – half day event at Ormeau Labs, Belfast
Friday 12 December – half day event at AMP, Ebrington Square, Derry~Londonderry
Who Can Apply?
This programme is open to all Ulster University students who:
- Are keen to explore self-employment but don’t yet have an idea (The Ideas Lab)
- Have a business idea they want to develop (The Start-Up Lab)
- Are already running a venture and want to grow (The Scale-Up Lab)
What You’ll Gain
- Workshops on design thinking, branding, finance, pitching, and more
- Mentorship from entrepreneurs and industry experts
- Funding advice and access to student entrepreneurship competitions
- Networking with peers, alumni, and professionals
- CV-enhancing experience that sets you apart
Partners
How to Apply
Applications are open to all Ulster University students.
Let’s Talk
Got questions or want to chat through your idea? Reach out to the team at graduatefutures@ulster.ac.uk
