Program Overview

Introduction to the RGU Startup Accelerator

The RGU Startup Accelerator is a flagship development programme offered by Robert Gordon University, designed to support early-stage innovative ideas and nurture entrepreneurial spirit. The programme provides a comprehensive platform for participants to develop their business skills, access mentorship, and explore funding opportunities.

About the Programme

The RGU Accelerator 2026 Impact North programme is a five-month entrepreneurial training initiative that runs from December 2025 to June 2026. The programme features two collaborative cohorts, one based in Aberdeen and the other in the Scottish Islands, aiming to support economic development across Scotland. Participants can expect to receive equity-free seed funding of ｣3,000, access to co-working spaces, mentoring, and opportunities to network with industry professionals.

Main Benefits of the Programme

• Equity-free seed funding of ｣3,000 and the chance to win thousands of pounds in showcase prizes
• Access to Aberdeen City-Centre and Islands co-working spaces
• Mentoring, coaching, confidence building, and personal development opportunities
• Networking opportunities with ecosystems, including the third sector
• Opportunities to test applied research in industry
• Collaboration with Scottish Islands, including Orkney, Shetland, and the Outer Hebrides
• Pathway to research commercialization through UKRI and Innovate UK
• Flexible sessions to gain entrepreneurial skills for life

RGU Startup Accelerator Alumni

The RGU Accelerator has a successful track record, with alumni having raised over ｣17 million in funding and won prestigious awards such as the Scottish EDGE Regional 2025 and Converge. The programme values diversity and inclusion, with 50% of its cohort consisting of female founder leads, and it welcomes international students. Previous participants often return to share their achievements and journey after completing the programme.

Notable Alumni News

• Archilink: From start-up to ｣1m turnover in six years for Aberdeen firm
• Highland Heritage Woodworks: Former Aberdeenshire oil and gas worker carving out a new woodwork career
• Everybody Counts: Former head teacher on winning ｣2.8m contracts with Aberdeenshire tech start-up

Programme Eligibility

To be eligible for the programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• For the Aberdeen-based cohort, the business must be led by RGU staff, students, or alumni within 10 years of graduation.
• For the Islands cohort, the business must be based in Orkney, Shetland, or the Outer Hebrides.
• The project must be early-stage, innovative, and have the intention of registering as an entity or commercializing research as a result of the programme.
• The business must be early-stage and not have raised more than ｣100,000 in investment or revenue.
• There must be an intention for at least one founder to work on the project full-time within twelve months of the programme's end.

Programme Dates

The programme starts with a boot camp and involves a mixture of flexible sessions on Wednesday afternoons, with a few evening and weekend sessions. All dates for the next cohort will be confirmed upon acceptance into the programme.

Application Guidance

To be successful, applications should cover several key factors:

• Understanding of the problem: A clear, realistic, and demanding problem to solve, backed by evidence such as research or interviews.
• Innovative ideas: Easy to understand, unique, and solving a real problem, with potential to scale beyond the region.
• Potential for growth in the market or users: An idea of the target market, with some research on competitors, and a sizeable market with high earning potential.
• Testing of the business model: Evidence that the business could make money, attract funding, and that founders have made some progress towards their vision.
• Strong entrepreneurial teams: Ambitious and creative people with the right attitude and experience to develop their project, able to take critical feedback and adapt.

Ecosystem Partners, Mentors, and Judges

The RGU Accelerator is supported by a wide network of industry, academic, and political contacts, ensuring participants receive comprehensive guidance and support.

Programme Funders

The 2026 Impact North programme is delivered by RGU's Entrepreneurship & Innovation Group (EIG) and Islands team, as part of RGU Research, Innovation & Enterprise, funded by the Scottish Funding Council.

Additional Information

For more details about the programme, including application tips and information sessions, interested parties can explore the resources provided by the RGU Startup Accelerator. The programme is part of a broader initiative to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, reflecting the university's commitment to supporting start-ups and economic growth in the region.