Win a Share of £4,000 to Launch Your Startup!

Have a brilliant idea but need funding to get it off the ground? Launch Point is your chance to make it happen.

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

What is Launch Point?

This competition gives University of Edinburgh students and recent graduates (up to two years post-graduation) a chance to win a share of £4,000 to help launch their early-stage startup within the next 12 months.

This semester, we’re delighted to be partnering with the Engineers & Scientists in Business Fellowship, who are contributing £3,000 of the prize pot, specifically for applicants in engineering, science, or medical science.

Enter by either submitting a 5-minute video or completing the short-written application. We strongly encourage video entries, they’re a great way to bring your idea to life, showcase your passion, and stand out to the judging panel.

Deadline: Monday, 16 March 2026 at 12 noon

Late submissions will not be accepted.

What Makes a Winning Entry?

We’re looking for bold, well-thought-out ideas with growth potential.

Strong applications will:

• Identify a meaningful problem and a specific customer
• Offer a unique, innovative solution
• Have potential to scale beyond a local context
• Show a path to financial sustainability
• Demonstrate a capable, committed team
• Make a positive impact on people and the planet
• Explain how funding will help you move forward
• Align with one of the University’s core missions: Data, Digital & AI; Health & Care; Climate & Environment

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

Who Can Apply?

• All University of Edinburgh students
• Alumni up to two years post-graduation
• Previous Launch Point winners may apply again with a new idea, provided they haven’t received competition funding this academic year
• Applicants currently on a visa must ensure that their visa allows them to engage in business activity, or that they have a plan to transition to a visa that allows this within the next 12 months. Those on a Student Visa typically cannot engage in business activity, so please check your visa conditions and guidance from the Student Immigration Service before applying.