Sandbox 1

Turn big ideas into real-world solutions

Sandbox is a fast-paced, hands-on challenge where you'll work to tackle a real industry problem and explore how great ideas become startups.

We are pleased to share that our Sandbox 1 host is the Royal Bank of Scotland!

Who's it for? Anyone who wants to explore, experiment and create real impact. No matter your course, background, or experience level. Whether you've got a business idea brewing or you're just curious what this whole "startup" thing is about, this is for you.

What else should I know?

• You must be able to attend the full event from 1-5 pm on the day.
• We sadly cannot offer this hybrid
• We have a limited number of places per Sandbox

Date: Wednesday, 30 September 2026

Time: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Location: The Ground Floor Atrium and Bayes Theorem, Bayes Centre

Industry Challenge: How might the financial journey and banking experience evolve by 2035, and how can banks help customers build confidence, improve financial wellbeing, and navigate an ever-changing future?

Format: Across one afternoon, you'll form a team and develop a solution to a genuine challenge. You'll hear from industry speakers, meet curious like-minded peers, learn skills such as design thinking, critical thinking, and problem-solving, and receive feedback from experienced mentors, right there in the room!

What you will gain:

·      Practical tools you can use again and again

·      A clearer sense of how to test and validate an idea

·      New connections with like-minded, curious people

·      Time with industry leaders and mentors

·      The confidence to take your next step

·      A certificate of participation, plus a pointer to what's next - our Product Development Masterclass and Pitching Workshop

No experience is needed, just curiosity, creativity and a willingness to get stuck in.

Limited spaces are available, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Registration for Sandbox 1 closes on 29 September 2026 at 10:00 am. However, registration may close earlier if we reach maximum capacity. If the session is full, you can still join the waitlist, and we will contact you if a space becomes available.

Please note that, to ensure fair access to limited places and a positive experience for all participants, we reserve the right to withdraw or decline registration where an individual has previously:

• Registered for a Sandbox session and not attended without providing notice;
• Attended multiple Sandbox sessions - priority may be given to first-time participants; or
• Behaved inappropriately or disrespectfully towards staff, facilitators, or other participants.

Any decisions regarding participation will be made at our discretion and in line with our commitment to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for everyone.

Visa Information

If you hold a visa, you’re welcome to attend all our workshops, regardless of your visa type.

However, before working on a startup, please ensure your visa permits it.

Please note that the Edinburgh Innovations Student Enterprise Team cannot offer legal advice on visas.

For more information and support, please refer to Visa Guidance.