Are you looking for funding to launch your business?

Launch Point gives University of Edinburgh students and recent alumni (up to two years post-graduation) the chance to win a share of £1,000 to help bring their startup idea to life.

We want to hear from early-stage startups tackling big challenges in the following areas:

• Data, Digital, and AI
• Future Health and Care
• Climate & Environment

Submit either a 5-minute video or a short written application, and you could secure funding to take your idea to the next level.

🗓️ The deadline for applications is 14 November 2025 at 12:00 PM (midday).

Late submissions will not be accepted.

This competition is designed for early-stage businesses planning to launch within the next 12 months. At this stage, applicants should be focused on developing their product or service and actively engaging in customer discovery.

To win, your entry should demonstrate:

• A clear problem and your solution
• A compelling value proposition
• A plan for long-term financial sustainability
• A capable team
• Positive impact on people and the planet
• How the funding will be used to advance the business

📄 Our full marking criteria can be found in the PDF here.

Can I apply if I am on a visa?  

This depends on the conditions of your visa. While you’re welcome to apply to this competition and use funding to test your ideas, starting a business may be restricted under certain visa types. We recommend reviewing your visa conditions and speaking with the Student Immigration Service for tailored advice.  

For the purposes of this competition, we are particularly seeking individuals who do not have visa restrictions related to business activity, or who expect to transition to a visa without such restrictions within the next 12 months.

If you are having any issues accessing the form, please email sarah.gibbens@ei.ed.ac.uk